Classification: Part-time (under 1,000 hours)
Department: Museum and Education

Work Location: Middle Fork Forest Preserve (Pennfield, IL). Location will move to Homer, IL when construction is complete on new Nature Center in Homer Lake Forest Preserve.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

IMRF Pension Plan: Not eligible 

Insurance Benefits: Not eligible

Paid Time Off: Sick leave, comp time, and IL Paid Leave for All Workers Act

Hours: Normal work hours are 8:30am-3:00pm on various weekdays depending on department needs, April through November; however, hours must be flexible to accommodate evening, holiday or weekend work as assigned.

Pay: Grade 2; starting wage is $17.60/hour

Position Summary

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

Supervisory Relationships

The Naturalist is under the direct supervision of the Environmental Education Program Specialist II.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Teach natural history school programs for children grades pre-K to 12 at Forest Preserve sites and in local schools.
• Assist with developing and presenting nature day camp.
• Perform all job tasks in compliance with the District’s Safety Manual and the department training manual.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the organizational values of Stewardship, Community, and Discovery by caring for our resources, fostering inclusive experiences, and inspiring curiosity through this position’s work.
• In coordination with the Education Program Specialist II, assist with all aspects of educational visits, including set up and cleanup. 

Secondary Duties

• Greet and record visitors of the Homer Lake Interpretive Center; answer the phone and perform other office duties as assigned.
• Assist with training volunteers.
• Assist with the care and feeding of animals.
• Assist with maintenance of the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.
• Promptly respond to safety hazards and concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school degree, GED, or equivalent is required.
• Associate’s degree or two years of college-level coursework in environmental education, natural resources, biology, interpretation, or a related field is required.
• Prior work experience that provided the knowledge and skills one would gain from the education requirements listed above in lieu of formal education is an acceptable alternative.
• Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with children is strongly preferred. Experience may be obtained through paid, volunteer, or academic settings.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certified, or the ability to obtain certification within two months of employment.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships throughout the Forest Preserves 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.
• Must be fluent and able to communicate in English; bilingual skills are a plus
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Some work is performed in a shared office suite with occasional interruptions. While performing this

job, the employee regularly utilizes standard office equipment, including a computer. Work will also

frequently 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 mask

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.

Please Note: Studies have shown that people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, women and other excluded or historically excluded people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every one of the qualifications as stated in the job description. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be assigned at any time.