You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Chief Naturalist



GENERAL SUMMARY:

 

Primarily responsible for the management and day to day operation of Love Creek County Park & Nature Center. Also assists Parks and Recreation Director with the management of the Department’s other “natural area and trails management” of properties, including areas and trails at: Galien River County Park, Paw Paw River County Park and the Indian Bowl Preserve. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Parks and Recreation Director.

 

TYPICAL DUTIES:

 

  • Develops and maintains facilities and trails for appropriate outdoor recreation activities.

Develops and maintains summer trails where appropriate for hiking and mountain biking.
Coordinates and assists with winter trail grooming activities at Love Creek for cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing and equipment rental.

  • Monitors and maintains quality natural habitats. Initiates restoration activities and/or plans as needed. Identifies invasive species and develops eradication plans. Assists with recommendations for facility operation and capital improvement needs, including invasive species eradication plans.

  • Maintains facilities and trails in support of Love Creek’s interpretive naturalist programing.

  • Supervises Parks Naturalists, volunteers and temporary employees. Prepares employee work schedules to maintain established park and building hours.

  • Assists with nature center staffing, greets visitors and answers questions about natural history, park history, hiking and ski conditions, facility and equipment rentals, departmental programs and policies and park regulations. Enforces park rules and regulations and notifies proper authorities of violations.

  • Develops informational and directional trail signage.

  • Assists Park Naturalists with design and construction of interpretive displays and maintenance of nature center live animal exhibits.

  • Assists with the preparation of both electronic and paper brochures and social media in order to promote County park facilities, programs, events and activities.

  • Develops outdoor recreation activities and demonstrates the use of recreational equipment.

  • Obtains emergency help and administers first aid, when needed.

  • Prepares work requests for maintenance or improvement of County park facilities.

  • Compiles information and prepares required reports. Prepares and maintains accurate bookkeeping, inventory and financial records. Assists with budgeting and monitoring financial accounts necessary to fund programs and park properties, including the pursuit of any available grant funding to assist County and local programs.

  • Assists with development, organization and implementation of recreation programs such as races, special activities and events.

  • Cooperates with regional groups, state associations and similar organizations to exchange information, learn about best management practices of parks and invasive species education to assist the department in reducing liabilities and improve skills necessary to preform duties described.

  •  Inventories equipment and supplies. Assists in preparation of requisitions to rebuild equipment and supply inventories.

  •  Performs routine building, grounds and trail maintenance and makes minor repairs and improvements. Reports potential safety hazards.

  • May operate a vehicle, tractor, snowmobile and hand tools that may include, chain saw, weed whackers and other related grounds maintenance equipment.

  • Instructs assigned personnel in the proper and safe use of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
      

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:          Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Natural Resources Management, Natural History Interpretation, Outdoor Recreation or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:        One year of related experience in a park, nature center or related facility.

 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • General knowledge of Southwest Michigan natural history.
 
  • Interest in both natural areas management and outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
 
  • General knowledge of park and trail maintenance procedures.
 
  • Some knowledge of fund raising methods.
 
  • Ability to supervise and work cooperatively and effectively with others.

  •  Ability to communicate effectively with the general public in a positive and professional manner.

SPECIAL NOTE:

  • An employee in this class may be required to work holidays and weekends and is required to wear a department issued uniform while on the job.
  • Must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license
  • Regular, reliable and predictable attendance required.
 
 
This description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.