Position Opening – Interpretive Naturalist
Buchanan County Conservation Board
DESCRIPTION: A fulltime position under supervision of the Executive Director for the Buchanan County Conservation Board, to begin in the summer, 2010. This person works closely with another full-time interpretive naturalist to plan, develop, coordinate, and present environmental, cultural, and historical education and interpretive programs for schools and other youth groups, adults, and the general public, in order to create a more environmentally literate citizenry.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Develops lesson plans and curricula; schedules programs and activities; enlists and supervises intern staff and volunteers; educates teachers and other educators; hosts educator workshops; develops printed materials, educational displays, A-V programs, web sites, signs, and interpretive trails; works with live animal interpretation; provides good public relations; plans and implements fund-raising relative to the environmental education program; writes program goals, objectives, and evaluations; maintains records; assists other staff with management and maintenance as needed, or as assigned by the Executive Director
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in environmental education, interpretation, natural resources, and/or outdoor recreation. Must be: proficient in the use of computers, A-V equipment, and other media-related tools; able to demonstrate outdoor skills such as canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, archery, etc.; familiarity with arts relevant to nature interpretation; capable of using various hand and carpentry tools; able to use creativity, enthusiasm, good judgment, initiative, flexibility, poise, and sense of humor; willing to stay current in the field; able to understand, analyze, interpret, and explain conservation laws, principles, and practices, and cultural and historical topics, both verbally and in writing. Must have an understanding of teaching methods and learning styles and be able to relate to and communicate verbally and through various media to all age groups and target audiences. Experience with web design and social networking is a plus. Requires a positive and enthusiastic attitude about the natural world. Must possess a valid State of Iowa Driver’s license and have a clean criminal history record.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Dependent on experience and qualifications. Starting salary range: $27,000 to $30,000. FLS Exempt.
TO APPLY: Send letter of application and a current resume, with at least three reference contacts, to: Dan Cohen, Executive Director, Buchanan County Conservation Board, 1883 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641; or email bccbdan@iowatelecom.net (Word or pdf); 319-636-2617.
