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 will be located Meramec State Park, 115 Meramec Park Drive Sullivan, MO 63080. Typical work schedule will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a half hour for lunch. This position will be required to work two weekends per month April 1 to October 31. Summer holiday shifts will be required.

• Provide interpretive programs and park information for park visitors and scheduled groups both on and off site.
• 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.
• Assist with managing the Visitor Center at Meramec State Park.
• Provide care for educational animals located in Visitor Center.
• 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 full time Park Technicians.
• Supervise Temporary Seasonal Workers and Volunteers.
• Assist with management and planning of cave tours and cave permits.

• 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.

Equivalent to those typically gained by:

• A 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: Environmental, Biological or Natural Resources, Resource Management, Parks and Outdoor Recreation 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 comparable experience in a conservation or environmental program.
• Training, certification, and/or education in continuous process improvement programs such as Lean Six Sigma as well as completion of Missouri Way, Leadership Academy, and similar programs is preferred.

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

Other Preferred Qualifications/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 and carry 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.
• MDC Level 1 prescribed fire training or equivalent within first 6 months of appointment.

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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