Senior Naturalist/Resource Interpreter

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 is with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, and will be located at Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10 Road, Knob Noster, MO 65336 . This position typically works Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. During November to March regular days off will be Saturday and Sunday, from April through October regular days off will be Monday and Tuesday. Weekend and holiday shifts will be required.

• Research, develop, update and provide interpretive programs and park information for park visitors and scheduled groups both on and off site.

• Assist with planning and implementing special events

• Assist with basic management duties related to the overall operation and visitor services.

• Physically conduct and facilitate biological monitoring and research for the park flora and fauna.

• Plan, conduct prescribed fires and crew lead for park burn units and assist in area prescribed fires.

• Plan, facilitate and conduct ecological restoration and invasive species management.

• Provide input as part of the park management team on park projects.

• Research primary resources related to the cultural and natural history of the facility.

• Supervise Temporary Seasonal Workers and Volunteers

• Must be able to exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgement in planning and implementing the work.

• Greets the public and discusses the facility’s resources, rules, and regulations relating to the state park and state historic site system.

• Develop, schedule, and participate in special events, interpretive programs, and informational public meetings.

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

• 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.

• Ecology : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.

• Fire Management : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of fire management, including the characteristics, behavior, and ecology of fire; methodologies, strategies, and equipment used in prescribed fires; fire detection, prevention, and suppression strategies; and integration of fire with natural resource management.

• Stewardship (Resources) : Basic knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of natural and cultural features along with special ecological stewardship requirements; capable of gaining experience in performing stewardship tasks required for strenuous outdoor work; ability to appear before the public, makes clear and convincing oral presentations; give out general information, conduct interpretive educational programs and conduct tours about natural and cultural history in an effective way; assist in supervising, recruiting, training and evaluating seasonal and volunteer staff.

• 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.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Park Management, Environmental, Biological or Natural Resources, Resource Management, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, History, Business of Public Administration or a closely related field

• AND two to four or more years of experience in research, development and/or presentation of interpretive and educational programs, teaching science or history, or comparable experience in a conservation or environmental program.

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

Other Preferred Qualifications and Experience/Special Job Requirements

• Ability to operate a vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.

• Work shifts will vary according to facility demands and will include working a minimum of two weekends per month and various holidays.

• Available to participate in meetings, workshops and seminars requiring overnight stays.

• Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain in all kinds of weather and environmental conditions and have the ability to lift 25 pounds .

• Skill in providing information and guidance to park visitors and staff.

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person and with written correspondence.

Must be able to speak and give presentations at public meetings and events.

• Proficient with current technology and ability to use computer programs to manage and present reports, proposals and professional communications with both team members and the public.

Benefits & Work-life Balance

Our benefits package and flexible 40-hour work week promotes the mental and physical health of you and your family as you work towards achieving your professional goals. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, paid life insurance, medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance. Learn more here .

How we invest in you:

• Exceptional professional development: mentoring from experienced professionals, cross-media training, career advancement opportunities, paid trainings and continuing education tuition assistance.

• Support for professional registrations when required, through paid study materials, fees, study time, test time, exam fees and licensure renewal fees.

• 

• State of Missouri

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