NJ Civil Service Navigator

PARK NATURALIST

Code: 02606 Local Non-Competitive

Park Naturalist is a non-competitive local-government civil service title, so there is no ranked exam. You qualify by meeting the stated education and experience.

Eligibility comes down to a bachelor's degree.

How to apply

This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.

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Where this title is used

Park Naturalist is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.

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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 the direction of a Chief Park Naturalist, Principal Park Naturalist, or other supervisory official, conducts programs, services and activities designed to inform the public of the historical, natural, and scientific features of a park, park system or other geographic area; does related work as required.

Examples of work

  • Conducts programs, services and activities designed to inform the public of the historical, natural, and scientific features of a park, park system or other geographic area.
  • Conducts tours and field trips to highlight scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites or other attractions.
  • Prepares and presents classes, lectures, interpretive talks and exhibits about park features.
  • Confers with supervisors and other park staff to assist in the determination of subjects and schedules for park programs.
  • Participates in preparation of park programs.
  • Provides 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.
  • Assists with the operations of visitor centers and other facilities.
  • Assists with the work involved in developing and maintaining interpretive exhibits related to nature study, area history, and recreational services.
  • Interprets history, ecology, and the natural sciences to the general public and to school children, in the field, classroom, and other settings.
  • Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies used to conduct programs.
  • Conducts field research of natural areas and submits recommendations concerning the use of natural resources for program purposes.
  • Records budget expenditures for programs and submits itemized lists for program materials and supplies.
  • Recommends program alterations for improved efficiency, scope of service, and productivity.
  • Writes news releases, articles for newsletters, radio scripts, and copy or use in park system literature and brochures.
  • Keeps attendance records of program activities.
  • Assists in the survey of flora and fauna found within the park or park system.
  • Prepares, assembles, staffs, and dismantles displays and exhibits used to represent and interpret the functions, facilities, and resources of the park system.
  • Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Maintains essential records and files.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized 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.

License

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

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of the natural sciences.
  • Knowledge of the methods used to conduct research in the natural sciences.
  • Ability to use equipment and materials commonly utilized in preparing lectures, talks, exhibits, and interpretive programs for nature education.
  • Ability to prepare and present interpretive programs, lectures, talks, classes and tours.
  • Ability to arrange and maintain interpretive exhibits.
  • Ability to perform field research and make recommendations regarding the use of natural resources.
  • Ability to write interpretive, informational and public relations materials for the public, media and other audiences.
  • Ability to conduct tours, interactive programs, classes, lectures and exhibits.
  • Ability to provide visitors with information and assistance regarding the park and surrounding areas and the use of facilities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, associates, and the public.
  • Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Ability to maintain essential records and files.
  • Ability to learn 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, or 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.