Naturalist

Posted: April 22, 2021 by MAEE Administration

Naturalist
Job Type	Part Time & Seasonal
Organization	River Bend Nature Center
Job Description	Naturalist (Part Time, Non-Exempt) – up to 24 hours a week Reports to: Naturalist / Natural Resources Manager Qualifications / Education / Experience Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education/science, outdoor education/recreation, natural history/interpretation, education, biology or related field. Candidates with comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered. Experience developing and delivering environmental education or outdoor recreation programs, camps, and special events for all ages, abilities, and diverse backgrounds. Class D Driver’s license with violation free driving record. Ability to pass a background check. Means of self-transportation during the work day and evenings as needed. Proof of meeting Minnesota requirements regarding auto registration and liability insurance. First aid / CPR / AED certification a plus Experience canoeing/kayaking, archery or other outdoor activities a plus. Experience handling, caring for, and presenting programs with animals a plus. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Ability to identify, learn and share natural and cultural history of the area, effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations, work indoors and outdoors in a variety of temperature extremes and weather conditions and withstand the physical demands of the work which involves some lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching, walking, standing, sitting, and computer use, identify, analyze, and solve problems, plan for safety and follow risk management principles, achieve work objectives using good time management, drive a 15-passenger van, hook up and move trailers, transport equipment, read, write, and communicate in English, work nonstandard hours and overtime when the need arises, and show energy and passion for the River Bend Nature Center mission. Enthusiasm for learning and working with children. Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to take initiative to shape daily priorities and work toward goals of long-term projects, meet deadlines, and work as a team with staff and volunteers. Proficiency with computer and online applications (Windows, Google, Office) and social media (Facebook, Instagram) and ability to learn/use other applications (constituent/program management software). Spanish, Somali, or American Sign Language experience or fluency a plus. Essential Duties Programs Deliver creative and enriching environmental education/outdoor recreation programs for all ages, abilities and backgrounds which meet current science/academic standards and/or achieve organizational goals and objectives. Some of these include: on- and off-site school programs, homeschool, camps, after school programs, scouts, outreach, public programs and special events. Design interpretive and promotional displays and exhibits. Field questions from Interpretive Center visitors and trail users. Provide assistance with land and facility projects as needed. Relationships Develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, community, Board of Directors, the public, and other organizations and entities. Assist with volunteer retention and recognition activities; provide training to volunteers. Field questions from and cultivate interest in River Bend Nature Center by on-site visitors and by phone/email, etc. Communications / Marketing. Represent and promote River Bend Nature Center in a professional, responsible manner in variety of public forums through newsletter articles, communicating face to face, and on social media. Handle visitor and public input courteously and responsively with respect for differing opinions and maintain positive relationships across sectors. Other Maintain accurate records and data collection to facilitate evaluation, ongoing quality improvement, and inventory of supplies and equipment. Maintain, care for and provide enrichment for live animals and involve with programs. Exhibit professionalism and commitment to the River Bend Nature Center mission, vision, values and policies. Work as a team to integrate operational objectives and actions. Positive, optimistic attitude and willingness to be flexible and work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends. Keep public and work spaces clean, neat and orderly. Carry out other duties as directed. How to Apply To apply, please send cover letter and resume by Friday, May 14, 2021 to: Breanna Wheeler, Executive Director River Bend Nature Center PO Box 186 Faribault, MN 55021 or email wheeler@rbnc.org River Bend Nature Center was established in 1978 in Faribault, Minnesota and is a non-profit nature center located on 743 acres which includes maple basswood forests, restored prairies, wetlands and the Straight River. The mission of River Bend Nature Center is to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us. Through contact with River Bend Nature Center, we envision that people will develop understanding of natural systems and our connections within them and be inspired to conserve and be stewards of the natural world. River Bend Nature Center provides environmental education, conservation and recreational programs, events, and activities for area schools and the public. Visit year-round to explore ten miles of multi-use trails and an interpretive center open to the public with no entrance fees. Become a member, donate, or learn more at www.rbnc.org
Location	Faribault, MN
Expires	2021-05-14
Link	https://rbnc.org
MAEE Partner	River Bend Nature Center

Naturalist

Part Time & Seasonal

River Bend Nature Center

Location: Faribault, MN

Expires: 2021-05-14

Link: https://rbnc.org

MAEE Partner: River Bend Nature Center

Job Description:

Naturalist

(Part Time, Non-Exempt) – up to 24 hours a week

Reports to: Naturalist / Natural Resources Manager

Qualifications / Education / Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in environmental education/science, outdoor education/recreation, natural history/interpretation, education, biology or related field. Candidates with comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Experience developing and delivering environmental education or outdoor recreation programs, camps, and special events for all ages, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
Class D Driver’s license with violation free driving record.
Ability to pass a background check.
Means of self-transportation during the work day and evenings as needed. Proof of meeting Minnesota requirements regarding auto registration and liability insurance.
First aid / CPR / AED certification a plus
Experience canoeing/kayaking, archery or other outdoor activities a plus.
Experience handling, caring for, and presenting programs with animals a plus.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Ability to
- identify, learn and share natural and cultural history of the area,
- effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations,
- work indoors and outdoors in a variety of temperature extremes and weather conditions and withstand the physical demands of the work which involves some lifting, carrying, stooping, bending, reaching, walking, standing, sitting, and computer use,
- identify, analyze, and solve problems,
- plan for safety and follow risk management principles,
- achieve work objectives using good time management,
- drive a 15-passenger van, hook up and move trailers, transport equipment,
- read, write, and communicate in English,
- work nonstandard hours and overtime when the need arises, and
- show energy and passion for the River Bend Nature Center mission.
Enthusiasm for learning and working with children.
Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to take initiative to shape daily priorities and work toward goals of long-term projects, meet deadlines, and work as a team with staff and volunteers.
Proficiency with computer and online applications (Windows, Google, Office) and social media (Facebook, Instagram) and ability to learn/use other applications (constituent/program management software).
Spanish, Somali, or American Sign Language experience or fluency a plus.

Essential Duties

Programs

Deliver creative and enriching environmental education/outdoor recreation programs for all ages, abilities and backgrounds which meet current science/academic standards and/or achieve organizational goals and objectives. Some of these include: on- and off-site school programs, homeschool, camps, after school programs, scouts, outreach, public programs and special events.
Design interpretive and promotional displays and exhibits.
Field questions from Interpretive Center visitors and trail users.
Provide assistance with land and facility projects as needed.

Relationships

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, community, Board of Directors, the public, and other organizations and entities.
Assist with volunteer retention and recognition activities; provide training to volunteers.
Field questions from and cultivate interest in River Bend Nature Center by on-site visitors and by phone/email, etc.

Communications / Marketing.

Represent and promote River Bend Nature Center in a professional, responsible manner in variety of public forums through newsletter articles, communicating face to face, and on social media.
Handle visitor and public input courteously and responsively with respect for differing opinions and maintain positive relationships across sectors.

Other

Maintain accurate records and data collection to facilitate evaluation, ongoing quality improvement, and inventory of supplies and equipment.
Maintain, care for and provide enrichment for live animals and involve with programs.
Exhibit professionalism and commitment to the River Bend Nature Center mission, vision, values and policies.
Work as a team to integrate operational objectives and actions.
Positive, optimistic attitude and willingness to be flexible and work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
Keep public and work spaces clean, neat and orderly.
Carry out other duties as directed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send cover letter and resume by Friday, May 14, 2021 to:

Breanna Wheeler, Executive Director

River Bend Nature Center

PO Box 186

Faribault, MN 55021

or email wheeler@rbnc.org

River Bend Nature Center was established in 1978 in Faribault, Minnesota and is a non-profit nature center located on 743 acres which includes maple basswood forests, restored prairies, wetlands and the Straight River. The mission of River Bend Nature Center is to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us. Through contact with River Bend Nature Center, we envision that people will develop understanding of natural systems and our connections within them and be inspired to conserve and be stewards of the natural world. River Bend Nature Center provides environmental education, conservation and recreational programs, events, and activities for area schools and the public. Visit year-round to explore ten miles of multi-use trails and an interpretive center open to the public with no entrance fees. Become a member, donate, or learn more at www.rbnc.org