Naturalist

Description

JOB TITLE: Naturalist

JOB SUMMARY: Maintaining hiking trails, filling bird feeders at wildlife observation areas, updating sightings on bulletin board, writing articles for skylites, maintaining Skytop Nature programs in the off seasons, youth programs to include Skytop explorer program (JR ranger), changing exhibits in nature display, conducting spring Early Morning and Evening Walks for guests, conducting Walks for Groups and Skytop guests and homeowners and studying nature and environmental publications regularly for professional enhancement.

REPORTS TO: Activities Manager

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

1. Developing and delivering engaging educational programs for diverse audiences, including school groups, families, and community organizations. Act as a source of information and advice to management regarding policies and projects relating to the outdoor environment.
2. Lead  nature walks on Skytop's trails throughout the year both am and pm daily during Christmas week and President's week (schedule of walks to be  supplied monthly to activities).
3. Evening programs offered throughout the off-season for both adults and youth.
4. Lead nature walks and programs for corporate groups and family groups that request them.
5. Lead the "Skytop Explore" (JR Ranger) program throughout the year.
6. Replace  (copy on copier machine) "Self-Guided Trail" booklets, and Plant and Animal checklists, and other nature booklets when necessary.
7. Maintain an updated "Wildlife Sightings" list for guests.
8. Replace  annually any missing or defective numbers and plaques on the self-guided trails, as well as directional signs.
9. Organize through the grounds crew to Clear and maintain trails once or twice per year and report major problems (fallen trees, etc.) to Grounds staff.
10. Maintain records of Skytop's flora and fauna, and update checklists as necessary.
11. Maintain winter bird feeders.
12. Care for  live reptile and amphibian displays, including cleaning cages, feeding animals and keeping displays in natural condition.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Skytop's nature programs, consulting with management regarding land use.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be in good physical condition, must be able to walk long distances and climb steep trails.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Job takes place both indoors and outdoors. Full-time position available, must be able to work holidays, weekends and evenings.

HAZARDS ENCOUNTERED: Temperature extremes, uneven walking surfaces, poisonous plants, animals, and reptiles, biting and stinging insects, rain, and snow.

NOTICE:

Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed, to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management must reserve the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs, or technological development) dictate.

Requirements

SKILLS REQUIRED: Expertise in all facets of local (Pennsylvania) nature and wildlife.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent. Master naturalist certification preferred.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE: Leading nature walks, nature and wildlife presentations.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS: Flora, fauna, habitats and environmental problems in Pennsylvania.

PERSONALITY REQUIREMENTS: Must be outgoing, enthusiastic, with good communication and people skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have a valid driver's license.