Park Naturalist I

Make a positive impact on the community by joining the Johnson County Park and Recreation District team and help us enhance the lives of thousands through excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service. As a JCPRD employee, you'll be part of a locally, regionally, and nationally acclaimed organization that annually hosts nearly 7 million park visitors and engages nearly 3 million participants in 4,000+ programs. With excellent benefits, retirement plans, employee incentives, and a great organizational culture, JCPRD is building a thriving park and recreation system that inspires play, culture, and education, supporting healthy and fulfilling lives for all. Come work where you play!

• Plans, develops, promotes, and presents outdoor recreation and interpretation-nature/cultural history programs and info. to the public. Uses interpretation techniques to educate and entertain participants (storytelling, first person living history portrayals, music, puppetry, and live animals).
• Directs Outdoor Discovery Camp at Ernie Miller or Shawnee Mission Park (10-week camp for children ages 6-12, Maximum:  55/60 campers/week) Hires, trains and supervises seasonal camp staff. Plans, develops, and coordinates program curriculum and ensures that KDHE childcare license requirements are met.
• Assist with the efficient operation of Ernie Miller Nature Center by; promoting activities and programs, maintaining exhibits, provide care and maintenance of exhibit and program animals, provide work direction for volunteers, and respond to public inquiries regarding wildlife, natural resources, facilities and programs.
• Assists with programs at TimberRidge Adventure Center by facilitating challenge course programs and assisting with teaching outdoor recreation skill programs. Follow ACCT challenge course standards for training and facilitating programs.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships within the District and with other public and private organizations to provide programming, sponsorships, and coordinate special events.
• Responsible for engaging in ongoing activities that enhance personal Outdoor Recreation, nature education and Interpretive knowledge, skills, and competencies by reading professional publications, attending career development training, and attending meetings of professional organizations.
• This position is also responsible for the supervision and leadership of employees, which includes making employment-related decisions and/or recommendations, and formally evaluating performance.

Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.  Scheduling and shift assignments and work location may be changed at any time, as required by business necessity.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and or related field

Preferred Job Requirements:

Certification in National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpreter Guide

Education/Experience Substitutions:

•  Experience may be substituted for degree.
•  Education may be substituted for experience.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

Sensory abilities, including special vision and/or hearing    

Excessive standing and/or walking: 50 %

Exposure to extreme temperatures.

Exposure to fumes and/or chemicals.           

Exposure to heights.

Exposure to loud noises.

Lifting 20-50 lbs.

Weather essential job

Uniform Required

Handling captive wild animals                       

JCPRD requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department.