Assistant Naturalist About us: TheDowners Grove Park Districtenriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation parks and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow play imagine and explore. Learn more at dgparks. The Opportunity:As the Assistant Naturalist at our Lyman Woods facility you will help with program development program facilitation as well as building and grounds care. You will also assist with animal care volunteer program administration and staffing at the Lyman Woods Interpretive Centers front desk.
What you get: In exchange for your time and talent this Parttime Class 1 position pays $20.00$20.50per hour including: - IMRF benefits
- Free Fitness Membership at 4500 Fitness
- Paid vacation personal and sick time
- Red Cross First Aide and CPR Training
- Various District discounts
When youll work: A typical weekly schedule would be: - Year Round position
- SundayWednesday 8:30am4:30pm preferred but potential adjustability on days
- Slight adjustment in work start and end times possible depending on the day
- Occasional evenings and other work days may be needed to help with staffing
- 29 hours a week on average though work week can be more or fewer hours depending on holidays vacations staffing needs etc.
- 1500 hours per year maximum
A Day in the Life: - Assist with the development of nature programs including writing new and updating old program outlines.
- Gather and put away program supplies; maintain supply inventory and workplace cleanliness.
- Assist with animal care including feeding animal handling and animal exhibit maintenance. Animals may include lizards turtles snakes and other animals.
- Assist with bee programs by using beekeeping equipment (such as bee suit smoker) opening bee hives to show live honey bees.
- Aid in the care and maintenance of outdoor play areas gardens bee yard and trails by mulching weeding removing poison ivy watering planting and moving supplies.
- Assist staff with volunteer supervision and volunteer group paperwork and recruitment.
- Update program records checkin/checkout sheets volunteer hours etc.
- Maintain program equipment such as archery fishing and other recreation or scientific equipment.
- Occasionally teach classes on nature and ecologyrelated topics as needed. Program audiences include parent & toddlers schools scouts youth teens and adults.
- Help with customer servicerelated questions (in person phone or email) and staff the front desk during hours when the nature center is open to the public.
- Drive district vehicles for camps or other assignments on occasion.
- Can participate in staff training planning sessions and other staff meetings.
- Follow and implement Downers Grove Park District policies and guidelines including safety practices
- Performs all other duties and responsibilities not covered above but directed by Lyman Woods supervisor (Assistant Superintendent of Recreation)
- Attend staff meetings trainings and special events
- Ensure Park Districts safety policies are being followed and implemented
About you: - 18 years of age or older
- 1 years of teaching/education experience (parttime or fulltime) with children in formal or informal education preferred
- Must exhibit problemsolving abilities adaptability safety awareness good judgement and a willingness to learn.
- Possess good communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with coworkers and the general public
- Must be able to work independently when needed
- Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Knowledge of or experience pertaining to local wildlife ecology environmental studies natural history or similar lifescience based content preferred.
- Must be comfortable working with animals honey bees and reptiles including snakes.
- Must be comfortable working with volunteers and using handson tools to remove invasive plant species to plant trees and for other gardening tasks.
- License in herbicide application preferred; must obtain within 3 months of hire
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite preferred
- Experience with and/or ability to learn and use RecTrac our recreation management software.
- Must possess certification in CPR and First Aid or become certified within 3 months of being hired (free training provided by the Park District if needed)
- Able to hike stand sit crouch for extended periods of time as well as occasionally lifting objects up to 30 lbs.
What sets us apart: - Flexible hours
- Supportive and friendly coworkers
- Diverse work tasks that make every day different and exciting
- Collaborative and connected management
- Develop your administration problemsolving communication and leadership experience
- Learn important life skills such as time management and influencing others
- Work for a Distinguished Agency Park District
The Downers Grove Park District is an EOE.
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