Description

Classification: Part-Time

Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: Homer Lake Interpretive Center (HLIC) (Homer, IL)

FSLA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Compensation: Grade 4: starting at $18.52

Hours: Normal work hours are 8:30am-3:00pm Monday – Friday (April-Nov), and 8:30am-3:00pm Monday, Wed, Friday (Dec-March), however hours must be flexible to accommodate evening, holiday or weekend work based on department needs.

The Interpretive Naturalist assists with development, implementation and evaluation of natural history programming for those served by the Homer Lake Interpretive Center within the Museum & Education Department.

Supervisory Relationships

The Interpretive Naturalist is under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Program Specialist II. This position supervises volunteers.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Duties

· Teach school programs. Assist with developing and publicizing school programs.

· Develop, publicize, present and evaluate nature day camp programs.

· Maintain the HLIC’s live education animal collection and coordinate sponsorship program.

· Assist with developing and presenting public programs.

· Assist with training seasonal employees and volunteers engaged in all aspects of the environmental programs of the Department.

· Maintain program and interpretive information in Homer Lake kiosks.

· Participate in the creation and implementation of new programs as assigned, and as guided by the District’s mission, Interpretive Plan and Strategic Plan.

· Collaborate with staff on the development of interpretive themes, exhibit-related hands-on activities, and outreach materials for area schools and related groups.

· Assist with establishing short- and long-term action plans in accordance with District’s mission, Interpretive Plan and Strategic Plan.

· Assist with establishing partnerships and collaborations with other organizations that will enhance professional relationships on behalf of the Department, program offerings, and otherwise broaden the Department’s audience.

· Perform all job tasks in compliance with the District’s Safety Manual and the department training manual.

Secondary Duties

· Greet and record visitors of the Homer Lake Interpretive Center; answer the phone and perform other office duties as assigned.

· Staff the Homer Lake Interpretive Center on Saturdays as assigned.

· Assist with maintenance of the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.

· Perform monthly vehicle safety inspection and report results to dept. Director.

· Assist with establishment, maintenance, and creation of displays for the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.

· Make annual budget recommendations and maintain adequate fiscal controls to ensure costs are within budgetary limits.

· Promptly respond to safety hazards and concerns.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

· College level coursework in education, natural resources, biology, interpretation, or related field is required; bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is preferred.

· Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna preferred.

· Experience in environmental education or interpretation preferred.

Skills and Abilities

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the District and with external constituents.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally and safely to challenging or emergency situations.

· CPR/AED and First Aid certified, or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.

· A valid driver's license is required.

· Must be fluent and able to communicate in English; bilingual skills are a plus

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in a shared office suite with occasional interruptions. While performing this job, the employee regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including a computer. Some work will be performed outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice.

Employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies or herbicides/pesticides).

The employee will have frequent interaction with co-workers as well as program participants and patrons. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate is required. Prolonged standing, walking, or hiking on unpaved/uneven terrain may be required during programs. Duties may also include climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and will occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height or above and up to 50 pounds to carrying height.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

· Closed toed shoes

· Protective gloves

· Safety goggles or glasses

· Earplugs or ear covers

· Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt 

· Respirators or masks

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.