Naturalist ($25.06/hour - $33.81/hour)

Are you passionate about the outdoors and nature? Do you enjoy teaching, leading activities, and working with kids? Inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts by becoming a part of H.A.R.D.’s Nature Program!About UsThe Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is an independent special-use district serving over 309,000 residents across a 100-square-mile area. Our communities include the City of Hayward and the unincorporated areas of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.We operate two nature centers dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, stewardship, and a deep connection with the natural world. We're currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team as Naturalists.About the RoleAs a Naturalist, you'll help lead nature-based programs that encourage children to explore, discover, and appreciate the environment. We're looking for individuals who are:Passionate about science education and outdoor learningExperienced in working with children and animalsEnergetic, flexible, and team-orientedSkilled in planning and implementing nature-focused youth programsPosition DetailsOpen Positions: 2Hourly Rate: $25.06/hour - $33.81/hourSchedule: Part-time, year-roundHours: Up to 18 hours per weekTypical Work Hours: Between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with some evenings and weekendsStatus: Hourly, non-exemptWork Locations: Various sites across the district; specific location assigned upon hireNote: Position not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)Start Date: ASAPResumes will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time, so early applications are encouraged.POSITION SUMMARYUnder general supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, the Naturalist is primarily responsible for curriculum, and programming development and implementation; and organization and maintenance of the instructional museum and interpretive displays/exhibits. In addition, the Naturalist is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized and safe office and program space as well as provide recommendations for supplies for programs and maintenance for equipment. The Naturalist works with a team of Naturalists, supports the Senior Naturalist and provides direction and coaching to Naturalist Aide, volunteers and docents.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSIncumbents in this class are primarily responsible for interpretive programs at one of two nature sites, community events, outreach programs, and school sites (virtual and in person) throughout the county. The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (HSIC) focuses on salt marsh ecology and natural history and the Sulphur Creek Nature Center (SCNC) focuses on native wildlife and natural history. This class can be distinguished from the Naturalist Aide class as this has lead duties over the Naturalist Aide and receives direction by the Senior Naturalist.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Plan, schedule, prepare, market and implement interpretive programs for all ages in large and small group settingsDevelop curriculum and materials that is fun and engaging for interpretive programs and displaysOrganize and maintain a safe and clean program space and resident animal displayOrganize interpretive materials and suppliesReport any repairs or maintenance needed on any equipment/tools used for programmingEnforcing safety guidelines, District policies and proceduresRecruit, train and oversee volunteers and Naturalist AidesCreate training material and proceduresAssist with marketing and outreach of programsAssists in the design and production of various interpretive mediaActs as HARD and SCNC representative at public eventsAssists in planning and implementing resource management activitiesAssists in the operation and coordination of the HSIC and major recreation activitiesPerforms minor custodial duties related to the maintenance of SCNC facilities and exhibitsAssist in the implementation of on-going programs funded through grants and associated reporting requirementsPerforms other duties as assignedWORK ENVIRONMENTEmployees predominantly work outdoors and/or classroom/indoor environment with loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/surface hazards, vibration, chemicals, cleaning agents, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing safety and departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays and may have to travel between various locations.PHYSICAL DEMANDSMust possess strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to perform work. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, to operate tools and equipment, or handle animals. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach,and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSAbility and Skill to:Develop engaging and instructional curriculum, materials and projectsSelf-Motivated, can work independently with minimum supervision or with a teamOrganized and detail orientedProactively plan for maintenance of equipment and programming needsWork with and serve a diverse communityUnderstand and carry out oral and written instructionsMaintain professional and effective working relationships with othersStrong communication skillsBi-lingual is desirableKnowledge of:Design and techniques in environmental education and teaching methods to different abilities and modalitiesVarious methods in youth development, behavior management and emotional, and physical safetySmall office equipment such as computers, copy machines, projectors, and online streamingBasic budgeting, cash handling, register, inventory procedures and accountingEducation/Experience/Training:Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, biology, recreation, interpretation or similar field of studyProven experience in MS Office programs: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, OutlookExperience in Active Net, live streaming, social media venues, Photoshop and InDesign desired. Experience in environmental education/interpretive programs including curriculum development. Experience in camp programs preferredExperience in coordinating special events and activitiesSpecial Requirements:Strong interest and desire to work with local and/or Bay-estuary wildlifePre-exposure vaccinations for rabies preferred (Sulphur Creek only)Must be 18+ years oldMust be able to work weekends and eveningsVerification of ID and ability work in the USAAbility to obtain First Aid and CPR certification requiredProvide proof of negative TB Skin TestPossession of a valid CA Driver’s LicenseAny offer of employment to an adult employee who will have direct contact with minors is conditional upon a satisfactory fingerprint clearance and background check (DOJ) #J-18808-Ljbffr Hayward Area Recreation & Park District