PARK NATURALIST 11 3890

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for leading and participating in the development, implementation and conduct of programs pertaining to natural history by performing recurring work in taking the lead with a Park Naturalist I and an Exhibits Artist in planning lectures, demonstrations and guided tours of the nature center. The purpose of these programs is to help people relate to nature by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. Beaver Lake Nature Center is a 560 acre park with trailside exhibits and interpretive material, which contains a 200 acre glacially created lake, 6 self guided trails of a total length of over 10 miles, 500 species of plants, and 180 species of birds. The lake is a temporary resting and feeding site for ducks and geese during the spring and fall migration. An employee in this class draws upon these resources in developing and coordinating plans and policies with respect to program and interpretive materials presented for interested groups.

An employee in this class receives direction during conferences led by the Nature Center Superintendent wherein topics and themes for lectures, tours, and demonstrations are discussed. Individual program assignments are typically made by the superintendent with respect to individual interest or experience in the areas assigned. The work involves general supervision over a Park Naturalist I, and an Exhibits Artist in terms of offering advice and guidance in planning and carrying out work rather than checking to see if the work is being done.

The training and direction of seasonal employees is also a responsibility of this classification. The employee in this class receives general direction from the Nature Center Superintendent. The employee is also responsible to act for the superintendent in the latter's absence and to make whatever decisions regarding programming and physical plan operations and maintenance the superintendent would make. The Park Naturalist II is distinguished from the Park Naturalist I by the fact that the former is responsible for the scope and direction of interpretive programming at Beaver Lake Nature Center. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Leads in and supervises the development of all programs such as lectures, demonstrations, clinics, and tours as well as the development of interpretive materials such as exhibits, drawings, and models; that is, provides advice, guidance, and constructive criticism to develop accurate programs and interpretive materials.

Leads in development of the concept of programming undertaken at the center subject to administrative direction of the Nature Center Superintendent.

Acts for the Nature Center Superintendent in the latter's absence to make those decisions regarding programming and maintenance ordinarily made by the Superintendent.

Coordinates college intern, student teacher, and volunteer groups by developing projects for interns and giving constructive criticism regarding the programs of same; by familiarizing student teachers with the center and offering guidance in applying natural historical themes to educational lesson plans, and, by training volunteers to give guided tours of the center's trails.

Schedules lectures, tours, demonstrations, and personnel to be available to conduct these programs or to staff the center during hours when no specific programs are conducted to offer assistance in nature interpretation to organized and informal visitor groups.

Develops interpretive programs pertaining to natural history and related topics for school and other organized groups by writing lesson plans, making short notes, reading texts or periodicals to gather information, and walking trails to identify points of interest.

Makes verbal presentations to school and other organized groups to explain material or to point out features of the center, which are visual examples of the natural environment.

Meets with teachers to discuss program objectives, to elicit themes to match age level of students, and to introduce the lands and facilities of Beaver Lake Nature Center.

Makes verbal presentations to interested groups or gives practical demonstrations to cross country skiing, taxidermy, camping, wildlife and vegetation, and so on.

 

 

 

 

 

Walks existing trails to identify points of interest to utilize sites as examples to highlight the themes of each trail, writes a narrative describing and explaining the item and draws sketches for the Museum Exhibits Artist for use in developing paintings or other interpretive materials.

Develops plans to improve interpretive facilities, which include trails, exhibits, interpretive materials, and land use by walking areas to identify sites that need more interpretive materials and by relying upon books and periodicals to gather ideas.

Reads technical texts and periodicals to gain further knowledge about historical and historical topics to be applied to lectures, demonstrations, tours, and facility development.

Answers questions visitors ask concerning wildlife, vegetation, and geology of Beaver Lake Nature Center.

Conducts research projects such as updating plant and wildlife inventories through proper utilization and application of field study and/or primary research techniques.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AMD PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Good knowledge of the principles of natural history inclusive of environmental science, ecology, vegetation, wildlife, and earth science.

Working knowledge of methods and principles of supervision.

Ability to plan and develop the direction of natural historical programming as applied in such media as demonstrations, lectures, clinics, and tours.

Ability to read and understand literature pertaining to natural historical themes inclusive of environmental science, ecology, vegetation, wildlife, and earth science.

Ability to write lesson plans and outlines to be used in the delivery of demonstrations, lectures, clinics, and tours to adult and youth groups.

Ability to make verbal presentations of natural historical themes to adult and youth groups.

Ability to write material that digests technical literature or that summarizes conclusions based upon field study.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

One (1) year of permanent competitive class status in the title of Park Naturalist I.

 

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Baccalaureate Degree in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Education, Recreation or a closely related field and one (1) year of professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in either: (a) the teaching of natural history, ecology, environmental science or a closely related field or (b) the development or implementation of interpretive programs, such as demonstrations, lectures, clinics, or tours, which pertain to natural history or (c) primary research of natural historical themes dealing with environmental science, ecology, vegetation, wildlife, or earth science; or,

B. Five (5) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in either (a) the teaching of natural history, ecology, environmental science or a closely related field, or (b) the development or implementation of interpretive programs, such as demonstrations, lectures, clinics, or tours, which pertain to natural history, or (c) the primary research of natural historical themes dealing with environmental science, ecology, vegetation, wildlife or earth science; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

 

8/83 Revised

 

Review Date: