Looking for a Naturialist II

Houston, TX, United States of America

Salary not listed

Job Description

OSITION PRESCRIPTION:
This specific position will work with other staff, volunteers, and organizations to create a vibrant array of nature interpretation and outdoor educational programs along with the Spring and Cypress Creek Greenways and Precinct 4 parks. Working under the direct supervision of TAP’s Director, candidates must possess a “can-do attitude,” excellent communication skills, and the ability to interact well with the public. In carrying out daily work assignments, supervision may be exercised over various work crews, volunteers, staff, visitors, and the general public, both young and old. Program development will include creating and leading a wide variety of outdoor recreational and environmental education programs combined to bring awareness and appreciation of the natural resources found along our local greenways, parks, and trails in Precinct 4.

The ideal candidate would consider connecting the public to the outdoors as a professional and personal priority in daily operations. Applicant should be self-motivated, expected to work outdoors, yet use technology in applicable circumstances, and not be afraid to get their hands dirty. The successful candidate will work to create a meaningful connection between the Spring Creek Greenway, Precinct 4 parks, and trails for the public. This candidate will understand their unique role in facilitating the connection between the resource and the public. Typically, no two days are the same and the candidate should be flexible and able to prioritize program needs. Knowledge of interpretation and its principles where it pertains to environmental education is required in order to be considered for this position. Incumbent may be asked to present/submit a sample program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops and leads a variety of outdoor recreation and interpretive environmental education programs directly related to the department’s mission statement. Some examples include leading nature walks & talks, night hikes, aquatic education sessions, and birding walks.
  • Writes structured program outlines and plans that focus on local ecosystems, flora & fauna, and watersheds that include using illustrative materials.
  • Builds relationships with partner organizations.
  • Alerts to public safety and work hazards at all times.
  • Answers correspondence and questions from the public related to programs and facilities.
  • Collects, organizes and maintains records of attendance, successes, and failures in the program schedule and file reports.
  • Helps develop yearly budgets and supplies for programs, tours, and equipment.
  • Conducts advance planning of work itineraries, staff schedules, transportation, logistics, and equipment needs.
  • Develops promotional materials and publicity articles/submittals.
  • Enforces park rules/regulations and policies where applicable.
  • Interacts directly with other departments, staff, interns, volunteers, and other organizations within job duties.
  • Maintains quality and appearance of all equipment, both for public use including canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, bicycles, trailers, vehicles, etc. as acquired for the program.
  • Performs routine equipment maintenance and assist with special projects as needed.
  • Maintains accurate logs of equipment.
  • Plans and helps execute special events and festivals at various Precinct 4 parks held throughout the year.
  • Works varying shifts including weekends and evenings.
  • Maintains pertinent professional certifications, including NAI, boater’s education, CPR/AED/First Aid, angler education, etc.
  • Writes informational articles for park publications and newspapers.
  • Knowledge of GPS units and geocaching is a plus.
  • Performs other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please call or email the number below

It is expected that the candidate considers themselves to be a life-long learner and actively engages in offered in-house training and actively seek advanced training that may be offered outside of the organization.

  • Bachelors degree in Parks and Recreation, Biology, Environmental Science, or nature-related curriculum;

or

  • Associates degree in Parks and Recreation, Biology, Environmental Science, or nature-related curriculum and two years of related experience;

or

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and four years of related experience


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Experience and patience working with children and the public.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certified (or obtain certification within 6 months of hire)
  • National Association of Interpreters certification (or obtain certification within 12 months of hire).
  • Good computer knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, basic knowledge of Access, and PowerPoint.
  • Valid Texas Driver’s License and safe driving record.
  • Able to drive a 15-passenger van while pulling a trailer.
  • General knowledge of outdoor recreation activities and skills.
  • Good knowledge of local flora and fauna.
  • Good knowledge of natural and Texas history.
  • Knowledge of publication techniques.
  • Nature interpretation and public speaking experience.
  • Experience writing lesson plans, program outlines, and standardizing informal teaching guides.
  • Budgetary experience.


OTHER ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Leadership ability to plan and supervise the work of volunteers/seasonal staff.
  • Ability to work on multiple tasks concurrently and meet expected project deadlines.
  • Flexible personality, open to new ideas and suggestions from senior leadership and staff.
  • Adapt to a variety of situations, personalities, and available resources.
  • Canoe/Kayak experience; comfortable instructing and leading groups of paddlers in closed and open bodies of water.
  • Creative and critical thinking.
  • Ability to research and utilize science-based information in presentation of interpreter programs Good observation skills and team-oriented.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Ability to implement industry standards of interpretation (familiarity with Freeman Tilden and Sam Ham’s principles of interpretation).
  • Abide and implement Leave No Trace ethics in programming development.
  • Care of ambassador reptiles & amphibians (corn snake, toads, aquatic turtles).
  • Good knowledge of outdoor recreation activities; fishing, camping, hiking, etc.
  • Familiar with motorboat operation, canoes, or kayaking laws/techniques.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle, feel and reach with hands and arms; frequently required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell; regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions and is periodically exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat & humidity; night-time shifts; and routine use of a computer monitor. The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate. Expect to work in a shared office/work environment.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.

Harris County Precinct 4 strives to maintain a drug and alcohol-free environment in the workplace. All new employees are required to pass a drug and alcohol screening test and may be subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

 

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

 

General Information

 

Requires a post-offer criminal history record check.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

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Salary and Benefits

Salary not listed

Accommodation Included :No

Job: Full Time

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