What are the responsibilities and job description for the Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator - Parks and Recreation position at Eaton County?
Under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Director, plans, organizes, and coordinates programs related to interpretation and education. Organizes and coordinates a variety of special events. Supervises seasonal employees hired for programming and volunteers assisting with County Parks programs.
- Plans, develops, writes, and supervises a wide range of educational and interpretive programming and program materials for on-site and outreach programs. Includes programs focused on the environment, natural resources, outdoor recreation, and volunteer outings. Develops informational packages and educational materials for teachers.
- Programming coordination may include, but is not limited to: Hunter Safety with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), bicycle tours, nature walks, invasive species classes and removal, and other programs.
- Leads guided nature walks and delivers presentations on local flora, fauna, geology, and history for diverse audiences (schools, tourists, community groups, etc.)
- Must attain and maintain licensing requirements with the State of Michigan to facilitate all applicable programming.
- Assists with the Recreation and Events Coordinator with the development of special events such as auto and craft shows, holiday events, mobile recreation van outings, bicycle tours, and others. Includes meetings with sponsors, contacting businesses for donations, scheduling volunteers, and coordinating with other staff.
- Works with school administrators and teachers to coordinate education programs with the curriculum. Promotes educational offerings to schools with presentations for teachers and develops informational materials for teachers. Maintains liaison with schools, and other community groups regarding the use of facilities and assists in planning, coordinating, and providing programming.
- Maintains and updates educational displays and seasonal materials at the Lincoln Brick Interpretive Center. This includes recruiting and training volunteers on the displays and exhibits.
- Interprets and does demonstrations for school groups, group tours, and others. Trains volunteers/seasonal staff to assist with programs.
- In consultation and following the direction of the Communication’s Department and the Events Coordinator, develops promotional and educational materials for programming and public education.
- Conduct research required for education programs, interpretative programs, and for special events.
- Designs and develops interpretive trails and trail maps. Supervises seasonal work crews on trail work. Coordinates and schedules selected nature interpretive programs.
- Presents programs to community organizations and the public.
- Assists in preparations for special events.
- Operates the recreation van at community events around Eaton County.
- Assists with departmental budget development and execution for Parks programming and events including the cost of supplies, equipment, staff and other items. This includes meeting with the applicable internal and external stakeholders. Maintains records for time worked and activity records and prepares reports on programs and their expenditures.
- Provides a variety of general assistance and support by assisting at other programs outside of direct responsibility and performing support tasks as necessary.
- Responsible for coordinating volunteer events within Eaton County parks to support invasive species management and assist with land stewardship efforts within the County Park system.
Other Functions
- Other duties as assigned.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in environmental education, natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a closely related field.
Experience: Some experience in planning, developing, and presenting interpretive programs.
The employer reserves the right to evaluate applicants’ qualifications and may substitute years of relevant experience for educational requirements stated above.
Other Requirements:
- Pesticide Applicators License or ability to acquire within 1 year of hiring date.
- Valid Michigan Driver's License.
- Licensing for running children’s programming and other events or programs that may be developed.
- Must be proficient in reading, writing, and verbal communication.
- Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and must be an accurate typist with a high proficiency.
FLSA Status: Exempt.
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.
Physical Requirements [This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements]:
- Walks over uneven terrain to perform work on trails.
- Ability to travel to various park locations.
- Squatting, stooping, and kneeling to develop and inspect trails.
- Ability to work in inclement weather.
- Ability to reach all areas of buildings and facilities including the nature center loft and attic.
- Extensive walking to lead tours and events.
- Lifting and moving boxes of promotional and educational materials.
- Prolonged standing during programs.
Working Conditions:
- Works outside in varying weather conditions.
- Works in all areas of the Parks Department and coordinate with Facilities Department.
- Exposure to equipment where risk exists of getting burned, bruised or scraped.
- Exposure to environmental allergens such as grass, weeds and pollens.
Salary : $50,710 - $65,956