Classification: Seasonal/Part Time

Department: Museum and Education

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

FSLA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Not Eligible

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 1: $16.43 - $23.80; starting pay at base of range.

POSITION SUMMARY

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

Supervisory Relationships

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

Essential Duties

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 camps and public programs.

• Assist with training volunteers.

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

Secondary Responsibilities

• 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.

• Assist with maintenance and creation of displays for the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.

• Promptly respond to safety hazards and concerns.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College level coursework or prior work experience in environmental education, natural resources, biology, interpretation, or related field is required.

• Knowledge of central Illinois flora and fauna preferred.

• Prior experience working with children, particularly in environmental education or interpretation, is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Seasonal Naturalist

• 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 two 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

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 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.

EEO Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.