Naturalist (Recreation Leader)

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Parks & Recreation Department, Environmental Services Division
Pay Range: starting at $16.12 per hour
Work Location: Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd
Schedule: 5 days a week, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. *Permanent schedule to be determined
Application Deadline: June 04, 2026


Responsibilities

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What you'll do

• Assist with the daily care of display and education animal ambassadors and support operations of the wildlife rehabilitation hospital to ensure animal health, safety, and welfare.
• Support the development and implementation of animal welfare assessments, behavioral enrichment activities, and training programs for education animals to promote humane care and learning outcomes.
• Prepare for and participate in environmental education programs, guided tours, and nature hikes to engage visitors and support conservation education.
• Support front-of-house operations by answering phones, assisting customers, working the front desk, collecting fees, issuing receipts, and responding to visitor questions to ensure positive guest experiences.
• Assist with general facility operations, including cleaning, maintaining safe public areas, and ensuring public safety guidelines are followed.
• Maintain records of work activities and assist with other duties as assigned by the Center Director to support smooth daily operations.
• Works on weekends, potential holidays, and schedule adjustments with notice.

What success looks like

• Animals are cared for safely, consistently, and in accordance with welfare standards.
• Educational programs and visitor interactions are engaging, accurate, and professional.
• Front desk and customer service operations run smoothly and efficiently.
• Public spaces remain safe, clean, and welcoming for visitors.
• Supervisors can rely on you to be flexible, dependable, and attentive to detail.

What you get

• Hands-on experience in animal care, environmental education, and public engagement.
• Opportunities to build skills in conservation, wildlife education, and customer service.
• Work that is active, varied, and purpose-driven.

Why this role matters
The Nature Center connects the community to local wildlife and conservation efforts. This role helps ensure animals receive proper care, visitors learn about environmental stewardship, and the facility remains safe and welcoming. Your work supports education, conservation awareness, and positive public experiences.


Qualifications

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REQUIRES

• At least 16 years of age.
• May be required to possess a valid state-issued driver's license in accordance with City of KCMO policies.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen as prescribed by the City.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

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• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

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