Seasonal Naturalist

Job Description:

Seasonal Naturalist

Description

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 Roaring River State Park, Cassville Missouri. Position will work 40 hours per week (Four - ten-hour days), Monday-Thursday, 7:00a.m.-5:30 p.m. When assisting with prescribed burning and fire operations, some weekend and extended work may be required. This position will work a maximum of 160 hours and is perfect for someone wanting to gain experience working in state parks, with prescribed fire, or natural resource management.

Duration of Assignment: December 16, 2024 - January 10, 2025 (flexible start / end date depending on availability)

• Work as part of a crew to prepare fire lines for the upcoming burn season and assist with prescribed burning operations. This includes clearing leaf litter and fallen branches; Bucking and relocating nearby logs; Felling potentially hazardous dead standing trees; Assisting with burning operations at Roaring River State Park.
• Assist with glade restoration projects, including the removal of shrub species and/or red cedar trees. Also, may entail reseeding small areas of glades with native plant species.
• Treat invasive species with herbicide using a backpack sprayer or by using a variety hand tools (primary species include Vinca and Japanese Honeysuckle).
• Assist with various habitat surveys, research projects, and data entry - May include habitat mapping, statistics, aerial surveying, and herbarium specimen collection and mounting.
• Ability to operate small power tools including chainsaws, weed trimmers, backpack leaf blowers.
• Ability to hike to daily work location through rough terrain, while carrying tools needed to preform work.
• Ability to work alongside other team members to complete assign tasks.

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

• Physical Strength and Agility : Ability to bend, lift, climb, stand, and walk for long periods of time; ability to perform moderately heavy laboring work.
• Interpersonal Skills (**) : Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.

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

Experience to be Gained:

• Gain experience with State Parks operations and natural resource management.
• Gain experience in all aspects of prescribed burning operations from building fire line to fire operations.
• Gain experience in invasive species control techniques and glade restoration.

Salary:

$15.00 per Hour