Naturalist I

An exciting opportunity to work for the Forest Preserves of Cook County in the department of Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) to fulfill the department’s mission to connect people to nature through experiences that build lifelong relationships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the natural world. The Naturalist I works at one of the six nature centers across the District and reports to the assigned Nature Center Director. The Naturalist I engages the public through programming in the Forest Preserves. A Naturalist I works with their team to develop, implement, and evaluate public and school engagement plans, programs, and engagement strategies. A Naturalist I supports the operations and delivers engagement activities at numerous locations around the District including nature centers, program facilities, outdoor classrooms, and campgrounds. Although assigned to one team, the Naturalist I may be asked to work with other teams. The Naturalist I supports operations, including but not limited to daily visitor engagement; community engagement; animal care; youth development; basic up-keep of exhibits and grounds, buildings, gardens, trails; and other duties as assigned. The Naturalist I supports the Ambassador Animal Program staff with ambassador animal programming, animal husbandry, training, record-keeping, and enrichment. The Forest Preserves is a seven day a week operation. The Naturalist I must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings. The Naturalist I also provides programming to schools and must pass school’s background processes. CEP employees are Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Mandated Reporters for Child Abuse and Neglect.

**Typical Duties**

Supports the mission of the District and the Conservation and Experiential Programming Department.

Prepares and delivers nature-based, interpretive, and environmental education programs at nature centers, in schools, virtually and at other District and off-site locations.

Supports Nature Centers, Zone Teams, Campground and Outreach Teams at many Forest Preserve sites and off site in the community such as at schools, community agencies and parks.

Assists team members with all aspects of the operations of specific team where assigned - Nature Center, Zone, Campground, Outreach or Teams.

Assists with all aspects of assigned teams’ planning, implementation and evaluation of activities and programs.

Represents the District to professional, community, and interest groups, and at workshops.

Provides support for youth development and job training programs run by the District.

Cares for live animals, and exhibit and education materials

Oversees and coordinates volunteer projects.

Serves on committees and teams departmentally and District-wide for special programming, projects, trainings, and other activities

Assists with custodial upkeep of nature center buildings

Maintains grounds and trails for safety and information for the public.

Maintains, prepares, and inventories equipment and supplies for programs and activities.

**Minimum Qualifications**

Must possess an associate degree or higher in natural or environmental sciences, education, outdoor recreation or a substantially similar area from an accredited college or university AND at least 2 years of work experience in nature based, outdoor adventure or environmental education programming; OR a high school diploma or GED AND at least 5 years of work experience in nature-based, outdoor adventure or environmental education programming.

Must obtain certification of Mandated Reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services within 60 days of date of hire.

**Preferred Qualifications**

Ability to communicate in Spanish or Polish; OR possess 1 season of work experience as a Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador; OR at least 1 season of work with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience with partners such as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

**_Requirements For Applicants_**

**Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics**

Knowledge of current conservation practices as applied to forests, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and/or District resources.

Familiarity with the geographical area covered by the District as it pertains to forest, wetland, and prairie ecology.

Knowledge of the care, management and preservation of indigenous plants and animal species as it pertains to the District’s needs and operations.

Ability to identify local birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, herbaceous and woody plants.

Knowledge of environmental education, nature-based education and inter