What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Employee Nature Center position at Hocking College?
Nature Center Student Employment
Salary: $12.00- $13.00
I. Position Purpose
The Nature Center is open during regular business hours, with occasional evening and weekend shifts required. The primary focus of this work-study position is the care, feeding, cleaning, and safe handling of animals under human care. Extensive supervision and specialized training will be provided for certain animal species, and successful completion of required training is necessary to maintain the position.
In addition to animal care responsibilities, this role includes assisting with housekeeping and grounds maintenance, supporting visitor services, participating in classroom activities and educational programming, helping manage the gift shop, and contributing to ongoing projects. Students must demonstrate reliability, responsibility, and the ability to complete assigned tasks independently when required.
II. Duties and Responsibilities
- Handle live animals, including but not limited to mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Assist with the collection of local herpetofauna (herps) and aquatic species in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
- Provide daily care, cleaning, feeding, and habitat maintenance for animals under human care.
- Assist with educational programs, classroom activities, and Nature Center visitation experiences.
- Coordinate regularly with the Nature Center Director regarding tasks, scheduling, and project needs.
- Support custodial, grounds, and general maintenance work, including but not limited to weed trimming, operation of basic power tools, garden upkeep, and facility organization.
- Answer phones professionally, provide accurate information, and take messages as needed.
- Assist with gift shop operations and inventory maintenance at both Nature Center sites.
- Participate in ongoing projects and special assignments as directed.
III. Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills
- Must be currently enrolled as a full-time Hocking College student.
- Must meet federal requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Customer service experience preferred.
- Demonstrated interest in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field preferred.
- Willingness to work outdoors and directly with live animals.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, and wind.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with adults, young adults, and children.
- Ability to assist with and support educational programs.
- Ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks responsibly.
- Flexible, energetic, dependable, and maintains a positive attitude and sense of humor.
- Valid driver’s license preferred.
Reasonable accommodations may be requested and reviewed according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Salary : $12 - $13