Naturalist (Part Time)

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking a part-time Naturalist in St Charles, MO, to educate the public on fish, forest, and wildlife. The role involves presenting educational programs, creating materials, and overseeing volunteers. It requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and prior teaching experience. The position averages 30-32 hours per week with some evening and weekend work, primarily performed in an office and outdoor settings.
Requisition Id: 3946

Hourly Pay Rate: $21.43

Hourly Pay Grade: H7

Expected Work Schedule:

Job Location: St Louis Regional Office (STCHA1)

Closing Date: Until filled or by 4/25/25

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please email the hiring supervisor, Amy L Wilkinson , at Amy.Wilkinson@mdc.mo.gov or call 314 3011506x4229 , during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Educate the public on fish, forest, and wildlife through a variety of media.

The position is a 1600-hour year-round position. The selected individual can expect an average of about 30-32 hours per week, with actual hours varying with seasonal programs.

Work is typically scheduled between 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, but requires some evening and weekend work, and outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions, in all seasons.

Essential Job Duties
• Present educational/interpretive programs both on and off site for various audiences on a wide variety of conservation subjects.
• Create and present new programs and interpretation material pertaining to natural history, outdoor exhibits, conservation and ecology.
• Set up classrooms and required materials and order supplies and equipment, as needed.
• Schedule, train, and evaluate volunteers.
• Submit invoices, timesheets, and expense reimbursements.
• Perform facility inspections for routine cleanliness and maintenance.
• Interact with public groups and individuals via telephone, email, and in-person discussion.
• Oversee live animal reservations and provide animal care to reptiles and amphibians.
• Assist with agency priorities, special events, and other programs, as needed.

Ancillary Job Duties
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Conservation, or related field.
• One (1) year interpretation and/or teaching experience.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver's license.
• Interpretive Guide certification, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
• Knowledge to identify most native Missouri forest, fish and wildlife resources and species.
• Ability to develop and present programs to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to operate various audio/visual equipment, i.e., AV carts, laptops, digital equipment, iPad, smart phones, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with partner groups, teachers and school administrators, civic and non-governmental organization leaders, members of the news media, Department personnel and the public.
• Ability to travel frequently and stay overnight occasionally.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours.

Work Environment
• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Physical Abilities
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and occasionally relocate machinery to other areas.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 25 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Nonexempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.