SENIOR PARK NATURALIST

Code: 03491 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 the direction of a Chief Park Naturalist, Principal Park Naturalist or other supervisory official, prepares and conducts the more complex 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; may take the lead in the work performed by Park Naturalists; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Prepares and conducts the more complex programs 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.
• Develops, 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.
• 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.
• Participates in the operations of visitor centers and other facilities.
• Participates in the planning of daily, weekly and monthly work programs and develops effective work methods.
• Interprets history, ecology, and the natural sciences to the general public and to school children, in the field, classroom and other settings.
• Develops and distributes promotional material such as posters, flyers and brochures to inform the public of park facilities and programs.
• Identifies and develops appropriate subject matter for educational/instructional presentations; outlines course content and prepares appropriate lesson plans.
• Selects appropriate audiovisual aids and other teaching devices to enhance presentations.
• Teaches subject matter utilizing information and methods best suited to the learning audience.
• Reviews information sources and assembles historical data for the maintenance of an informational library.
• Plans, develops, arranges and maintains displays and exhibits utilizing various scenes, plants and artifacts to enhance program activities and highlight park services.
• Performs public information services such as presenting at public speaking engagements, conducting radio promotions, and writing press releases and articles for media, as required.
• Participates in program planning and development; evaluates programs and recommends improvements.
• Conducts field research of natural areas and submits recommendations concerning the use of natural resources for program purposes.
• Participates in the survey of flora and fauna to collect and record information about their life processes, diseases, relationship to the environment, growth and development, and distribution.
• Recommends budget and fee schedules, records budget expenditures for programs and submits itemized lists for program materials and supplies.
• Provides lower level Park Naturalists with guidance and assistance.
• Provides tasks and instructions to lower level Park Naturalist as required.
• Participates in training, orientation and staff development activities as required.
• May take the lead in the work performed by Park Naturalists.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies used to conduct programs.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative narrative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintains essential records, files, and inventories.
• 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 with a Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences, forestry, conservation, natural resources management, agriculture, or park management.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the preparation and presentation of nature study, ecological, conservation, natural resources, or park interpretive programs.

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.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques utilized to prepare and conduct park interpretive programs.
• Knowledge of the objectives of park interpretation programs and their function in fostering an understanding of the natural sciences and historical background of parks.
• Ability to plan, develop and present interpretive programs, lectures, classes, talks, and tours.
• Ability to use equipment and materials commonly utilized in preparing lectures, talks, exhibits, and interpretive programs for nature education.
• 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 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 develop, arrange, and maintain interpretive exhibits.
• Ability to identify, develop and present appropriate subject matter in the areas of natural science and/or history for the instruction of individuals or groups.
• Ability to collect, record, formulate, and present data, and prepare reports thereon.
• Ability to speak before individuals and groups.
• Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to assign and guide the work of others as required.
• 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.