Park Naturalist jobs in Columbia, MO

Salary: $ 12.00 per hour

Job Location: This position is with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Missouri State Parks and will be located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middlebrook, Missouri 63656. This position will be temporary between the months of May-October 2022, 20-40 hours per week, and shall not exceed 1,000 hours total during the length of employment. On-site housing is available. Most weekends and holidays are required.

Why you’ll love this position:

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park are the crown jewels of Missouri State Parks. In the heart of the St. Francois Mountains, the rugged terrain and unique geological features of the parks make this the perfect place to work at. Join a team of enthusiastic people to help promote, preserve, and interpret one of Missouri most valued treasures.

What you’ll do:

• Conduct interpretive programs for an array of visitors including school, scout, and private groups.
• Create informative media about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
• Assist with coordinating and holding special events at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
• Work in the park's interpretation center answering visitor questions.
• Conduct stewardship practices such as treating invasive species.
• Help maintain and manage the park’s trail system
• Care and maintain live animals such as snakes, turtles, lizards, and fish
• Assist with Flora and Fauna surveys within the park’s unit.
• Assist in the management of the visitor center located in the Black River Center, which includes, cleaning, opening and closing the building, cover attendance for front desk clerk.
• Assist in other duties that are required by the Park Naturalist and Park Superintendent

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work with different computer programs such as PowerPoint and Word
• Ability to speak in front of large groups
• Experience or interest in Missouri’s natural and cultural resources

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in biology, wildlife, botany, ecology, environmental education, parks and recreation, or other environmental sciences
• Ability to hike in rugged terrain
• Ability to attend the Spring Interpretive Training hosted in May
• Willingness to learn new skills for working outdoors
• Availability to work most weekends and holidays

More reasons to love this position:

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact:

Dairan Elam-Pyles (Park Naturalist) at Dairan.Elam-Pyles@dnr.mo.gov 573-546-2450

Or

Aarick Roberto at Aarick.roberto@dnr.mo.gov or 573-522-1503

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.