PRINCIPAL PARK NATURALIST

Code: 05654 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 or other supervisory official, supervises, plans, develops and conducts programs designed to inform the public of the historical, natural and scientific features of a park, park system or other geographic area; does other related work as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises staff engaged in the preparation and conduct of programs designed to inform the public of the historical, natural and scientific features of a park, park system or other geographic area; prepares and conducts programs as required.
• Supervises staff engaged in the conduct of tours and field trips to highlight scientific, historic, and natural features of parks, forests, historic sites or other attractions; conducts tours and field trips as required.
• Plans, develops and supervises park programs and interpretive activities.
• Evaluates the quality of programs and interpretive activities and implements changes as required.
• Supervises staff engaged in the development, preparation and presentation of classes, lectures, interpretive talks and exhibits.
• Confers with supervisors and subordinate staff to determine program schedule and subjects to be presented.
• 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.
• Plans daily, weekly, and monthly work programs and develops effective work methods.
• Surveys and supervises 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 accurate master files of the natural resources and facilities of the park or park system.
• Conducts field research of natural areas and submits recommendations concerning the use of natural resources for program purposes.
• Interviews specialists in desired fields to obtain and develop data for programs.
• Takes photographs and records videos to enhance lectures, publications and displays.
• Plans and develops audiovisual aids and other teaching devices to enhance presentations.
• Supervises and conducts the planning, development, arrangement and maintenance of displays and exhibits utilizing various scenes, plants and artifacts to enhance program activities and highlight park services.
• Interprets history, ecology, and the natural sciences to the general public and to school children, in the field, classroom and other settings.
• Identifies and develops appropriate subject matter for educational/instructional programs; outlines course content and prepares appropriate lesson plans.
• Provides assignments, instruction and guidance to Senior Park Naturalist and Park Naturalist.
• Assists in the preparation of budget and fee schedules; records and assists in the review of budget expenditures for programs.
• May prepare portions of the interpretive planning and budgeting program documents.
• Supervises the 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.
• Maintains special collections of artifacts, specimens or historical pieces.
• Researches information for interpretive purposes and summarizes for staff.
• Has responsibility for designated facilities and/or program series.
• Provides and supervises 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.
• Supervises the operations of visitor centers and/or other facilities as directed.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of training, orientation and staff development activities.
• Maintains and supervises the maintenance of equipment inventory and repair schedule.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative narrative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintains and 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

Two (2) years of experience in the development 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 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 develop, prepare and conduct interpretive programs.
• Knowledge of the objectives of park interpretive programs and their function in fostering an understanding of the natural sciences and historical background of parks.
• Ability to supervise, 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 supervise and perform field research and make recommendations regarding the use of natural resources.
• Ability to write and supervise the writing of interpretive, informational and public relations materials for the public, media and other audiences.
• Ability to provide and to supervise staff in providing visitors with information and assistance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants, associates, and the public.
• Ability to plan, 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 park programs and activities.
• Ability to supervise and conduct the collection, recording and formulation of data, and the preparation of reports thereon.
• Ability to speak before individuals and groups.
• Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate programs and recommend new subject matter, revisions and other changes.
• Ability to participate in the development of program plans which include program content, emphasis, and methods.
• Ability to conduct research using a variety of sources.
• Ability to operate audiovisual and other equipment used in park interpretive programs
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, associates, and the public.
• Ability to provide assignments and instruction to 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 maintain and 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 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.