Seasonal Interpreter Naturalist

Job Description:

Seasonal Interpreter Naturalist

Description

We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : stewardship, integrity, collaboration, respect and innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its’ citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

This position will be located at Roaring River State Park, 12716 Farm Road 2239 Cassville, MO 65625. The seasonal naturalist works with the park’s full-time naturalist to staff the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center to answer visitor questions and facilitate interpretive opportunities in the nature center.

This position will be temporary between the days of May 18 through September 1, 2025, 20-40 hours per week, and shall not exceed 1,000 hours total during the length of employment. The naturalist will work 8-hour days up to five days a week. The work hours are flexible and negotiable, but you will be expected to work weekends and holidays. On-site housing is available.

Pay $15.00 per hour

• Design and lead interpretive programs for park visitors, as well as guided programs for school and civic groups.

• Regularly maintain about 10 miles of hiking trails (i.e., clearing trails, flagging trails, etc.), with weed eaters, loppers, handsaws, and brush cutters.

• Clean and maintain the Nature Center (exhibits, lobby, etc.).

• Partake in stewardship opportunities, such as removing invasive species and flora/fauna surveys within the park.

• Provide information about park rules and procedures, suggest directions, and trail recommendations

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:

• Interpersonal Skills: Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.

• Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

• Computer Skills : Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

• Oral and Written Communication : Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, consider the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

• History and Archaeology : Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and impact on particular civilization and cultures, and of preservation and archival techniques.

• Decision Making : Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

• Flexibility (***) : Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.

• Interpersonal Skills (**) : Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.

• Physical Strength and Agility : Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.

• Wildlife Biology : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of wildlife, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of wildlife.

• Interpretation (Resources) : Ability to coordinate, manage and direct interpretive or educational programing related to natural or cultural resources in a way that conveys significance to visitors; connecting them to personal relevance, shared learning, meeting specific learning objectives (i.e. educator or community needs), informing public about compliance and safety, supporting management of natural or cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhancing mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.

• Physical Strength and Agility : Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Experience to be Gained:

• Ability to give successful interpretation programs.

• Ability to work a job with diverse duties.

• Trail maintenance and best natural resource management practices.

• Ability to identify common exotic plants and management practices with invasive species.

• Opportunity to become Certified Interpretive Guide through National Association of Interpretation

Salary:

$15.00 per Hour