• Job Description

  Req#: 94817
  !*!

  Who we are:

  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.

  ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

  We are accepting applications for a part-time permanent Naturalist position within the Division of Parks & Watercraft, headquartered at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County. The address is 19852 State Route 664 Logan, OH 43138. This position is budgeted for approximately 1756 hours/fiscal year. To learn more about the Division of Parks & Watercraft please visit Hocking Hills State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov).

  What you will do…

  • Develop, plan & conduct interpretive & recreational programs for the general public & special interest groups;
  • Lead visitors on excursions into the park & other ODNR properties;
  • Plan & coordinate special events (e.g., workshops, community festivals);
  • Coordinate volunteers related to educational programs;
  • Perform public relations & marketing activities.

  What’s in it for you…

  At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

  Medical Coverage

  • Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

  Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance

  • Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completing an eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

  Employee Development Funds

  • The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

  Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • Childbirth/Adoption leave

  Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

  • OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

  Deferred Compensation

  • The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

  Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

  We are ready for you!

  We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources! Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!

  Official Position Description:

  Researches, develops, plans & conducts interpretive & recreational programs (e.g., nature walks, night hikes, & presentations for general public/special interest groups, tours) about Ohio’s natural, historical & cultural heritage; conducts interpretive programs using live animals (e.g., reptiles, amphibians, insects); answers questions for public as related to interpretive programs & nature/visitor center; interprets park regulations & takes proper safety precautions to lead youths & adults on excursions into park; plans & coordinates special events (e.g., workshops, fall campouts); acts as coordinator for scout groups, schools & clubs with park projects (e.g., trail development, habitat improvement projects); teaches fishing, archery, & paddling classes (e.g., canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard) according to approved division curriculum & with attention to laws & proper safety precautions; evaluates programs & makes/suggests changes as needed; operates state vehicle to travel from area to area of the park, district, & state to perform job duties (e.g., travel to programs, attend meetings &/or trainings, transports/trailers equipment); coordinates volunteers related to educational programs (e.g., recruits, trains, schedules, gives direction); may prepare grant proposals relative to education programs; purchases equipment & material & conducts inventory; tracks attendance for grant purposes; may assist in search & rescue, if needed.

  Develops & maintains displays & exhibits for use in educational programs & nature/visitor center; organizes & prepares brochures, interpretive park signs, & promotional publications; develops outreach materials for the public, other staff & volunteers including outlines, fact sheets & surveys.

  May be responsible for daily care of live animals used in programs (e.g., feed animals, keeps cages & equipment clean & in working order); complies with state & federal housing & care requirements; provides for the health & safety of animals; consults with veterinarian when necessary; ensures park compliance with Division of Wildlife permits; notifies supervisor of issues.

  Performs public relations/marketing activities & assists with statewide events, exhibits & shows (e.g., boat shows, state fair, trade shows); responds to inquiries about programs; makes television & radio appearances promoting state parks & park activities; participates in events statewide (e.g., festivals & state fair).

  Assists in maintaining trails (e.g., picks up litter, removes fallen debris, reports hazards); maintains nature center, office space (e.g., empties trash, vacuums); maintains equipment used in programming (e.g., makes minor repairs such as filters, light bulbs).

  UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside exposed to weather, venomous reptiles, infectious animal bites or scratches & unpleasant odors.

  !*!Completion of associate degree core coursework in natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology); valid driver’s license.
  
  -Or 18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in preparing &/or presenting educational materials concerning wildlife & plants; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations; valid driver’s license.
  
  -Or 12 mos. exp. as Naturalist Aide, 22540; valid driver’s license.
  
  -Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.!*!Knowledge of natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology); public relations; outdoor safety practices; wild animal health care & feeding; budgeting*; employee training & development*. Skill in operation of audio-visual equipment; handling of wild animals; photography. Ability to prepare & deliver nature/wildlife speeches & lectures before general public; create informative & educational displays, brochures, articles; answer wildlife questions from media.
  
  (*)Developed after employment.!*!

  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614-265-6992 or mohammad.yakubu@dnr.ohio.gov.
  
  Effective July 1, 2015 applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).
  
  The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
  
  STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System [OHMS] Home page at the following link careers.ohio.gov, and selecting "My Profile".

  !*!

  Bargaining unit applicants will be given consideration for applicable positions, pursuant to collective bargaining agreement.
  
  Selection devices, proficiency testing and/or assessments may be used to determine if an applicant meets and is proficient in the minimum qualifications for this position.
  
  Applicants may attach the following document types:

  •Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx)

  •PDF (.pdf), •Plain Text (.txt)

  •Rich Text (.rtf)
  Please do not upload attachments that have an anomaly or are password protected.

  
  VERIFIABLE INFORMATION

  Applicants must clearly identify how qualifications are met within the education and/or experience sections of the applications. All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application. Attachments will be considered as part of the application packet in addition to the fully completed civil service application, not in place of. Applicants may be required to submit transcripts or licensure(s) to support their application.

• About the company

  Ohio is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Of the fifty states, it is the 34th-largest by area, and with a population of nearly 11.8 million, is the seventh-most populous and tenth-most densely populated.

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