Interpretative Naturalist I

Education, Licenses, Certifications, and Training Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental education interpretation, natural resources, outdoor recreation or a related natural science.
Must maintain a valid Class C Driver’s License
Must be insurable under the County’s insurance policy
Red Cross certifications;
Teaching certification and classroom experience;
Outdoor/wilderness leadership certification;
American Camping Association certifications;
Department of Natural Resources safety instructor’s certification;
Wildlife rehabilitation certification;

Experience and Preferred Qualification

Three months experience in development and presentation of environmental education or interpretive programs, such as internship or equivalent work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The following is a list of skills and traits that naturalists should possess. These are arranged with those skills and traits that a beginning naturalist should possess listed first and marked with an asterisk and those skills and traits acquired through experience and professional development listed second. A beginning naturalist is defined as one who is beginning her or his first professional position.

I. Knowledge of Natural and Cultural History and Recreation

Basic field identification and natural history of native plants and animals;
Knowledge of ecological principles;
General outdoor recreation skills in one or more areas including canoeing, backpacking, biking, hiking, spelunking, orienteering, archery, firearms safety, hunting, trapping, boating, etc.;
Knowledge of organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, educational and natural resources;
Knowledge of management of one or more natural resources including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grasslands and aquatic ecosystem;
Knowledge in at least one other area including astronomy, geology, insects, nonflowering plants, etc.;
Knowledge of local cultural history including archeology, art, music, anthropology, history, folklore, etc.;
Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret and explain conservation laws, principles and practices.

II. Program and Development Skills

Knowledge of Tilden’s six principles and ability to integrate them into interpretive programs;
Ability to plan and evaluate programs appropriate for the developmental abilities and needs of the audience;
Ability to write program goals and objectives and how to integrate awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills and participation;
Knowledge of where to find resources to expand knowledge and program delivery skills;
Knowledge of educational principles, teaching methods, learning styles and trends;
Knowledge of school curricula and how to integrate interpretive and environmental education programs with them.
Ability to operate trucks, tractors, mowers, power tools and other special equipment.
Ability to bend and lift heavy items safely.

III. Communication Skills

Ability to communicate orally and effectively to groups and individuals in both formal and non-formal situations in one or more of the following areas: indoor and outdoor presentations, campfires, trailside talks, classroom presentations, public meetings, storytelling, etc.;
Ability to handle visitor complaints or emergency situations courteously and responsively and to be tolerant and respectful of differing opinions;
Ability to prepare news releases, fliers, bulletin boards, and other basic publicity;
Ability to operate a slide projector and a 35-mm camera;
Ability to communicate effectively in writing to people of various ages and educational abilities including writing for display text, signage, brochures, newsletters, letters and reports;
Ability to design and maintain education displays and exhibits;
Ability to operate computers, audiovisual, photographic and other equipment necessary for program delivery;
Ability to train and safely instruct seasonal and part-time employees in correct and safe use of assigned equipment;
Ability to make radio and television presentations.

IV. Administrative Skills

Ability to work within a budget;
Ability to establish and evaluate long-term goals and objectives for the education/interpretation program and to communicate needed changes to others;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups, organizations, the general public and colleagues;
Ability to develop and implement a budget;
Ability to organize and conduct fundraising activities;
Ability to organize and coordinate the efforts of citizen support groups;
Ability to market programs, including the design of products, pricing, placement and promotion to meet the needs of specific target groups;
Ability to oversee the recruitment, training and supervision and to coordinate the scheduling of interns and volunteers;
Ability to supervise daily operation of a facility including maintenance of buildings and grounds, hiring and supervision of other workers and coordination of program, public relations and other activities;
Ability to suggest and implement policy changes regarding either program or facility management.

V. Personal Attributes

Creativity;
Enthusiasm;
Initiative;
Flexibility;
Poise;
Willingness to grow and stay current in the field;
Staying calm under pressure or in crisis situations;
Sense of humor;
Sincere love of the out-of-doors and the desire to communicate about it to the public.

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of what the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job including, but not limited to:

Frequent exposure to all types of weather conditions and exposure to wet and/or humid conditions; subzero temperatures are possible.
Frequent exposure to vehicle traffic, moving machinery, noise, dust, and vibrations.
Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, noxious odors, or airborne particles.
Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and can be above 80 decibels. Hearing protection is required above 80 decibels.
Walking uneven terrain to locations of traversable roadways, occasionally of distance more than a mile.

Physical Demands

Position requires physical strength, coordination, and sufficient ability to do strenuous manual work, including but not limited to:

Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; strength and dexterity to work in a typical field setting, including the occasional operation of power or hand tools.
Prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, stretching, pushing, pulling, climbing, or kneeling.
Specific vision abilities, such as near vision, far vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust as necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle and other necessary equipment.
Effective hearing and speech to communicate in person, via radio, telephone or other relevant means of communication.
Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift 75 pounds or more safely.

Refer to the “Work Capacity Evaluation” relevant to this position for a detailed description of physical demands.

This position shall have the ability to carry out these duties and responsibilities in conformity with established policies and procedures and shall utilize time in such a way as to fulfill the objectives of this position and the County.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Clayton County reserves the right to revise or change the job responsibilities as business needs arise. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

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