Naturalist Crew Member

As a Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Naturalist, with Polk County Conservation, you are a part of a statewide service network that brings exciting and educational experiences to Iowa Youth! You will deliver high-level positive youth development activities to youth in your community using research-based curriculums in STEM, Outdoor Recreation, and Environmental Education. No matter what your passion area or background, your service WILL make a difference in a young person’s life.  

 Two Quarter Time Naturalists will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members develop skills that build a strong, leadership-packed résumé, earn a living stipend ($6,000), and receive a Segal Education Award upon completion $1,956.35 to pay for higher education or qualified student loans. These positions are quarter-time members who will serve a minimum of 450 hours over 13 weeks, serving approximately 40 hours per week.  

 Daily Times 

• Typical weekly schedule, i.e. a week that does not include weekend or evening programming, will run from 8:00AM to 4:30PM, with a 30-minute lunch allotted, totaling 40 hours/week minimum.

  Evening and Weekend Schedule 

• Present two public programs on a Saturday in June and July. Program will be one hour in length but will require prep and drive time. Each event will require about 4 hours of weekend work June 14 or 28 and July 12 or 26.

This posting is not a direct position of Polk County Conservation and successful applicants will not be employees of Polk County.  Successful applicants will not be subject to terms and conditions of Polk County employment and will not be eligible for any employee benefits provided by Polk County.  However, these positions will be serving with Polk County Conservation, a host site of the Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Program and will be subject to AmeriCorps rules, benefits and requirements.  

* Sick or personal leave, and holidays is allowed, but such time off does not count towards the required number of hours needed to successfully complete the term of service. There are additional benefits offered if the member has a compelling personal circumstance. 

Position/Site Specific Member Service Activities: 

As a Polk County Conservation AmeriCorps Naturalist, with the Polk County Conservation Environmental Education department, you will be a part of a positively impactful service program that works with Polk County residents to provide hands-on learning experiences that connects community members to their natural world. You will provide interactive programming throughout the Polk County Conservation parks system and interact with community members on a regular basis. Curriculums in the Environmental Education department revolve around STEM, outdoor recreation, conservation, and sustainability. Illustrative examples of service activities:  

• Plan and execute audience-appropriate environmental education and outdoor recreational programs for summer youth groups and childcare services. Educational programs and activities are related to natural resource management, conservation, ecology, recreation, cultural heritage, and other environmental topics. Each member will be assigned a full-time naturalist as their mentor to help with presentation skills during their service. Programs are typically one hour in length and will take place at the Jester Park Nature Center and other Polk County Parks.
• Learn from full-time staff how to maintain the live animal exhibit at the Jester Park Nature Center using an established care in captivity SOP.
• Maintain accurate program data. Program numbers such, attendance, presentations, and hours will be recorded in a google document after each daily program. Training will be provided verbally and in the Environmental Education SOP.
• Develop one new 45-minuteprogram or activity for use with a summer camp in which the member is assigned. New activities are nature-based and the member can develop the program/activity based on the camp theme.
• Interact with visitors to the Jester Park Nature Center and provide interpretation on the Center’s displays, trails, and amenities. Members will receive training on visitor engagement during the onboarding process.

Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals. Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities. 

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of modern trends in conservation and environmental education
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of conservation, ecology, interpretation, and Iowa’s natural heritage.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Experience teaching outdoor skills.
• Ability to learn department software programs related to audio visual technology.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evening, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours.
• Ability to read, write, edit, and communicate effectively in a variety of methods, including public speaking and program delivery.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate good work ethic.
• Ability to adapt in a very dynamic work setting.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and walk or stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with supervisors, other County employees, volunteers, and the general public using courtesy, patience and tact.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Certify that they have or will obtain the diploma/GED
• Pass a national service criminal history check prior to first day of service
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Bachelor’s degree or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental education, interpretation, recreation, ecology, or related earth biological science.
• Experience in development and presentation of environmental or interpretive programs
• Must have or obtain a valid driver’s licenses and first aid certification
• Candidate must be 19 or older to apply

Benefits: 

• Opportunity to complete Certified Interpretive Guide Certification through the National Association of Interpreters
• Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service.
• Living Allowance
• Cellphone Stipend
• Childcare coverage if the member qualifies
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments for eligible loans

Performance Evaluation & Reporting Requirements: 

• Member Performance Evaluation requirements during the term
• Regular submission of member timesheets
• Quarterly progress reports