Description

The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking an experienced Senior Park Naturalist to assist the Facility Director and Principal Park Naturalist in providing a dynamic and sophisticated work program with the potential to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards and outdoor enthusiasts. Based at Clearwater Nature Center within the Louis F. Cosca Regional Park, the candidate will also assist and lead programming at the Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC), and the Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex (SRTRC).

With a collection of up to 30-40 animals, the Naturalist is responsible for developing and coordinating the administration of nature-based interpretive, recreational, animal care / enrichment and educational programs. Program elements should range from sustainability and land use principles to fish and wildlife conservation.

A top priority will be internal and external outreach at the regional and local levels including community leaders, school administrators and teachers, nonprofit partners, Departmental colleagues and, of course, the public. The goal is to significantly expand the reach and influence of the Center and its programs – igniting curiosity, interest and engagement with key audiences, especially youth.

In addition, the candidate will also have some supervisory responsibilities. They will supervise a diverse part-time staff of naturalists, interns and volunteers. They will work with the Principal Park Naturalist to prepare work schedules, assign and review the work of their direct reports.
The position is ideal for an experienced individual who enjoys building community, leading people, educating others, supervising creative programs, addressing challenges, and capitalizing on opportunities. This is a full time, career position with benefits and the typical work schedule is Tuesday – Saturday, 40 hours a week, with some evenings as required.

Examples of Important Duties

• Assist the Facility Director and the Principal Park Naturalist with facility operations that includes, scheduling, hiring, operational security, safety practices, hours of operation, and overall personnel needs at the facility.
• Supervise part-time staff, delegate assignments and address performance issues with the Facility Director. Conduct evaluations of their assigned direct reports.
• Be responsible for quality animal care for a variety of domestic and exotic birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, fishes, and small mammals.
• Develop, market, coordinate, and conduct specialized educational programs and activities that will be held on site and/or regionally.
• Assist with periodic program and operational evaluations and set performance goals to ensure quality and impact of services are met.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with various audiences including internal Department staff, teachers, home-school groups, elected officials, scout leaders, specialty groups including seniors and different clubs, and community members.
• Assist with marketing materials, social media posts, and regularly reviews the Center's webpages for accuracy and content.
• Have the ability to be constructive, creative and patient when resolving needs.
• Able to lift 40 pounds and operate vehicles and equipment including trucks, buses, power tools, etc.
• Become proficient with Department software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, RecTrac, and Lawson.
• Provide excellent customer service.

Important Worker Characteristics:
A. Considerable knowledge of, and skill in (1) natural, life, and physical sciences; (2) environmental science; (3) principles and practices of interpreting natural and cultural history to the public; (4) effective instructional methods and techniques; (5) natural resource management; (6) outdoor and water safety; (7) cultural history of area*; (8) specialized animal care*; (9) education standards and (10) Commission organization, policies, and procedures. *Typically acquired or fully developed after employment in this job class.
B. Knowledge of, and skill in assigning or reviewing tasks, setting the pace, and otherwise assisting the supervisor by leading a permanently formed work group or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge and skills.
C. Skill and ability to (1) provide expert knowledge of a subject matter or area in the development of interpretative programs; (2) provide technical resource and program leadership to environmental, nature, and wildlife groups within the community; (3) provide expertise in a subject matter or naturalist area to other governmental entities; (4) coordinate optimally with other entities, staffs, and units within the Commission and the community in planning and carrying out programs, events, and activities; (5) interpret technical natural and cultural history materials to patrons; (6) provide courteous service; (7) organize work efficiently; (8) develop program promotional advertising material; (9) lead part-time staff; and (10) maintain operating knowledge with changing technologies; (11) and provide CPR and first aid.
D. Skill in problem solving to select, coordinate and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem.
E. Skill in communication to understand verbal and written information (including facts, descriptions and ideas) and to express such information so that others will understand. Examples include writing clearly, effectively, and concisely; and planning, developing, leading, evaluating and presenting programs of large and extensive scope.
F. Interpersonal skills to interact optimally with contacts in a businesslike and courteous manner; this includes skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working as a member of a team.
G. Skill in operation of (1) audio-visual equipment; (2) field sampling equipment; (3) camera; (4) motorboat, canoe, kayak; and (5) computer software, web-based management tools. Drive a multi-passenger vehicle for camps and specialized programs, taking animals to the veterinarian, picking up supplies, and attending meetings and other needs.

Working conditions:
Works in indoor and outdoor settings; works scheduled weekends, evenings, and holidays; and exposed to inclement weather and outdoor hazards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science or any related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) years.
• Depending on area of assignment, a valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
• Pass Commission medical examination.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification Senior Park Naturalist

Person(s) hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions).

All applicants to this job posting will be considered for this and future Principal Park Naturalist job openings for 6 months or until all qualified candidates have been exhausted from this job posting. At that time, a new job posting may be available for application to future openings.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.