Job Specification
PRINCIPAL PARK NATURALIST
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.
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.
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
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 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.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 05654 | | L | C | | N/A | 27 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
2/16/2016 |
|
|
