Education Naturalist

Job Description

Job Description

If you have a passion for connecting people with nature in the outdoors, leading park education programs with subjects such as nature, wildlife, cultural history, and outdoor recreation (archery, kayaking, canoeing, etc.), have the ability to engage diverse audiences, and are looking for full time work, we invite you to apply!

The Stark County Park District is currently seeking a full-time, year-round Education Naturalist to develop and present on a variety of educational and recreational programs throughout Stark County.

Essential Functions:

• Research, plan, schedule, and deliver engaging and organized programs and events on natural, cultural and outdoor recreation topics at various Stark County Park District sites, in schools and virtually.

• Review current program offerings and events and update/create new programs in line with proper education standards and public demands.

• Work effectively with manager and education staff to schedule programs that highlight the districts unique features and customer service base.

• Plan small formal programs as well as large special events

• After training, utilize our animal ambassadors from the Wildlife Conservation Center in programming

• Successfully complete administrative tasks such as writing program descriptions and outlines, and evaluation of programs, prepare and track purchase order requests and acquire needed materials for programs.

• Utilize various technology platforms and equipment for programming.

• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers, park patrons, program attendees, volunteers and other customers.

• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with all district staff and departments.

• All other duties as assigned.

Skills/Experience/Abilities:

• Effective interpersonal skills
• Effective presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences and backgrounds and manage children and adults in the outdoors.
• Ability to plan large and small events
• Ability to work independently without supervision
• Experience in guiding, teaching, environmental education, and interpretation.
• Broad knowledge of local flora and fauna of Ohio such as ornithology, entomology, ecology, herpetology, botany and conservation
• Experience presenting with wildlife such as reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds is desired
• Experience with kayaking, stand-up paddleboard or archery is desired
• Knowledge of local historical resources
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including outdoors, around bodies of water, and in varying weather conditions including extreme heat or cold
• Must be able to walk, hike, climb to various park sites and in and around of bodies of water, and be able to handle infrequent loads in excess of 50 lbs. with or without assistance

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Education, History, or closely related field and a minimum of 1 - 2 years of experience in these fields required.
• Valid Ohio Driver's license required.
• Varied work hours/days, including evenings and weekends.

Pay : $21.38 per hour

Must be eligible for employment in the United States. Pre-employment background check and drug screening will be performed.

EOE - M/F/D/V