Park Naturalist

Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Park Naturalist is responsible for leading indoor and outdoor inquiry-based nature programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center and Pop-Up Audubon sites.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY JOB OUTCOMES

• Conduct programs at the Center, including leading family nature tours, animal feedings, and other nature-based programs
• Set up and facilitate weekend pop-up Audubon programs, including nature games, bird watching tours, hikes, fishing clinics, and other inquiry-based nature activities
• Serve as a park steward and provide information about the facility and surrounding area to guests to enhance their experience
• Assist the Lead Park Naturalist with the general operations of the Center and provide technical information and other guidance to visitors and patrons of the Center
• Assist in conducting research and compiling information required to support educational programming at the Center

 Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental studies, environmental education, or other relevant discipline
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in education programs at a nature center, environmental education center, science center or other relevant experience

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Naturalist Knowledge: An understanding of historic design, environmental design horticulture, landscape management, conservation programs, wildlife and vegetation found in the park. Ability to generate interest in the environment and natural world by highlighting historical, ecological or scientific features of outdoor surroundings.
• Health and Safety Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulation and organizational policies. Manages risk including the identification of hazards, assessment of risks and implementation of control measures. Manages own safety and that of others.
• Public Speaking: Must have excellent verbal communication skills and ability to impart key information to a public audience. Should be able to engage with audience and interact with members of the public, including children.
• Communication Skills: Ability to convey concepts and make presentations in a clear, culturally competent and understandable manner. Demonstrates effective listening skills and openness to other people’s ideas and suggestions.
• Customer Service: Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent and responsive service to park visitors and patrons.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Committed to working in collaboration with others, promoting cooperation and commitment to others and being a positive team contributor. 
• Attention to Detail: Ability to check the accuracy of information and work for accuracy and consistency. Provides information in a timely basis and in a usable form for other, completes all work according to procedures and standards.
• Technology: Proficient with automated technologies that support area of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed both in an indoor setting which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unusual elements and in the field, which subjects the employee to various external elements including potentially adverse weather conditions
• Requires standing for extended periods of time; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or crawling; and use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills
• Requires minor physical exertion - lifting, pushing, and carrying, etc. up to 25 lbs. 
• Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading correspondence, instructions and/or technical documents; writing correspondence and/or reports and filling in forms
• Requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination upon or prior to starting employment 

Diversity Makes Us Stronger Together: Prospect Park Alliance serves park users of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and strives to reflect this diversity throughout our operations and in our leadership, staff, stakeholders and supporters. We know that by creating an equitable and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect and the appreciation of difference, our employees will feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions and work together to find common ground and solutions. Integral to this vision is our longstanding commitment to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.