Seasonal Interpreter/Naturalist

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 will be located at Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10 Road, Knob Noster, Missouri. This is a temporary, seasonal position. The work hours are flexible and negotiable, but not to exceed 1,000 hours total during the length of the employment.

Duration of Assignment: April through October or May through August/September with the possibility of extended season. Will entail working weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• You will be assisting the State Park staff with park interpretation, and you will get to actively learn about the park’s operations, cultural and natural resources stewardship activities, and historical research.
• Prepare, develop, and conduct interpretive programming for a variety of visitors of all ages and sizes.
• Perform trail maintenance (trail trimming, removing downed trees, etc.).
• Partake in stewardship activities around the park, such as removing invasive species and flora/fauna surveys within the park.
• Manage cleaning of the visitor center exhibits, bathrooms, lobby, etc.
• Implement positive visitor center services and excellent customer service to park visitors.
• Assist with our reservation system and souvenir sales using a computerized reservation and "Point of Sale" system.
• Assist with trail runs on the Katy Trail and the Rock Island Trail.
• Other duties as assigned.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Decision Making : Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Flexibility : Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
• Teamwork : Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Other Preferred Qualifications/Experience/Special Job Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50lbs and walk over uneven terrain for long periods of time.
• Experience with power equipment (i.e. weed eater, chainsaw, backpack sprayers, etc.) preferred [Needed trainings will be provided].
• Attending (or attended) a college or university with at least a freshman standing and majoring in any of the natural sciences, history, cultural resource management, outdoor recreation, or interpretive services
• Ability to give successful programs based on the National Association of Interpretation standards
• Ability to identify common exotic plants and management practices with invasive species
• Trail maintenance and best natural resource management practices
• Attend the Spring Interpretive Training May 18-21 where you will join informative sessions, network with peers, and participate in team building.

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

Experience to be Gained:

• Trail maintenance and best natural resource management practices.
• You will gain experience in researching, preparing, and presenting nature programs to a variety of audiences.
• You will gain hands-on knowledge with methods used to promote natural stewardship, including identifying and treating invasive species.
• You will gain the ability to work a job with diverse duties.

Marissa Raterman, Senior Naturalist/Resource Interpreter at 660-563-2463, marissa.raterman@dnr.mo.gov

Or

Melissa Hall, Superintendent at 660-563-2463, melissa.hall@dnr.mo.gov

Or

Sally Namassy, Recruiter at dnr.recruiter@dnr.mo.gov

• 

• State of Missouri

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