Seasonal Interpreter/Naturalist (Stewardship)

Job Description:

Seasonal Interpreter/Naturalist (Stewardship)

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 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.

• Perform natural resource stewardship activities outdoors independently and with a team including invasive species control, ecological restoration, prescribed burn unit preparation, and plant and wildlife surveying/monitoring. Assist the Naturalist with other stewardship activities as assigned.
• Operate and maintain various equipment including (but not limited to) backpack sprayers, hand sprayers, weed eaters, brush cutters, hand tools, chainsaws, trucks, etc.
• Attend and learn from basic training on a variety of potential topics including but not limited to natural resource management, botany, ecology, and equipment operation to perform job duties.
• Understand and follow policies.
• Manage cleaning of the visitor center exhibits, bathrooms, lobby, etc.
• Provide excellent customer service to park visitors.
• May work with or lead other seasonal employees, volunteer groups, and school groups to carry out stewardship activities.
• May occasionally assist with trail maintenance, park operations, and public interpretation/educational programs.
• Expected to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings.

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.
• Stewardship : Cares for our resources; protects and preserves Missouri’s natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy.
• Conscientiousness : Displays a high level of effort and commitment towards performing work; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Botany : Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of plants, including structures and functions, classification, taxonomy, plant communities, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, conservation, and care of plant species.

Other Preferred Qualifications/Experience/Special Job Requirements:

• Willing to work in any type of weather outdoors every day, from inclement weather to hot and humid summer days.
• Ability to operate a vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Hard working, have the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Experience with power equipment (i.e. brush cutter, 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 preferred.

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

Experience to be Gained:

• Ability to perform and identify various practices in natural resource management across a variety of Missouri's natural communities.
• Ability to identify native and exotic plants and knowledge of best management practices with invasive species.
• Ability to operate and maintain common equipment utilized in the field of conservation.
• 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

Salary:

$15.00 per Hour