CHIEF PARK NATURALIST

Code: 01183 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, has charge of the programs designed to inform the public of the historical, natural and scientific features of a park, park system, or other geographic area; oversees subordinate supervisors and other staff engaged in the planning, development and conduct of park programs ; does other related work

Examples of work

• Has charge of the programs designed to inform the public of the historical, natural and scientific features of a park, park system, or other geographic area.
• Plans, develops and coordinates park programs and interpretive activities and oversees subordinate supervisors and other staff involved in the planning, development and conduct of these programs.
• Plans, coordinates and oversees the conduct of tours and field trips designed to highlight scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites or other attractions.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns work of the organization unit and develops effective work methods.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Oversees the review and evaluation of programs and activities; devices and implements changes as necessary.
• Oversees the planning, development, preparation and presentation of classes, lectures, interpretive talks and exhibits.
• Establishes program schedules and subjects to be presented.
• Plans, coordinates and approves daily, weekly and monthly work programs.
• Oversees the survey of park fauna and flora to collect information about their life processes, diseases, relationship to the environment, growth and development, and distribution.
• Maintains and supervises the maintenance of accurate master files of the natural resources and facilities of the park or park system.
• Oversees the conduct of field research of natural areas, evaluates research data and effects or recommends courses of action regarding the use of natural resources for program purposes.
• Oversees the planning, development, arrangement and maintenance of displays and exhibits to enhance program activities and highlight park services.
• Oversees staff engaged in the interpretation of history, ecology, and the natural sciences to the general public and to school children.
• Provides assignments, instruction and guidance to subordinate supervisors and other staff.
• Prepares budget and fee schedules, and records and reviews budget expenditures for programs.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of interpretive planning and budgeting program documents.
• Oversees the planning, development and distribution of promotional material such as posters, flyers and brochures to inform the public of park facilities and programs.
• Performs public information services such as presenting at public speaking engagements, conducting radio promotions, and writing press releases and articles for media, oversees staff engaged in public information activities.
• Maintains and oversees the maintenance of special collections of artifacts, specimens or historical pieces.
• Oversees the provision of visitor services, such as disseminating information about the park and surrounding areas, explaining park regulations, answering questions, handling complaints, and providing general assistance to visitors.
• Oversees the operations of visitor centers and other facilities.
• Plans, implements and oversees training, orientation and staff development activities.
• Supervises the maintenance of equipment inventory and repair schedule.
• Oversees the conduct of investigations of complaints concerning violations of park rules and regulations.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative narrative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences, forestry, conservation, natural resources management, agriculture or park management.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in the planning, development and presentation of nature study, ecological, conservation, natural resources, or park interpretive programs.

License

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques utilized to plan, develop, implement and oversee a platform of interpretive programs for a park, park system or other geographic area.
• Knowledge of the natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the methods used to conduct research in the natural sciences.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of park interpretive programs and their function in fostering an understanding of the natural sciences and historical background of parks.
• Ability to plan and implement revisions and other changes in the overall interpretive program.
• Ability to devise, plan, develop, coordinate and implement new programs taking into account subject matter, program content, emphasis, and methods.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate programs and plan, coordinate and implement changes where necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and others.
• Ability to oversee the planning, development and presentation of interpretive programs, lectures, classes, talks, and tours.
• Ability to oversee field research projects, evaluate research data and effect or recommend courses of action based thereon.
• Ability to oversee the collection, recording and formulation of data, and the preparation of reports thereon.
• Ability to oversee the writing and dissemination of interpretive, informational and public relations materials for the public, media and other audiences.
• Ability to oversee the operation of visitor center and other facilities and supervise staff in providing visitors with information and assistance.
• Ability to speak before individuals and groups.
• Ability to conduct research using a variety of sources.
• Ability to operate audiovisual and other equipment used in park interpretive programs
• Ability to provide assignments and instruction to subordinate supervisors and other staff and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative narrative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to supervise the maintenance of essential records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.