Park Naturalist jobs in Oakland, CA

Do you love the outdoors and nature? Do you love animals?  Do you like teaching, leading activities and working with kids?  Inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts by becoming a part of H.A.R.D.’s Nature Program!  

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, known locally as “H.A.R.D.," is an independent special use district created to provide park and recreation services for over 309,000 residents. Our boundaries encompass a 100 square-mile area, which includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.

H.A.R.D. operates two nature centers that promote environmental awareness, stewardship, and a connection with nature. Currently, we are looking for a new Naturalist to join our team! We seek dedicated individuals, committed to science education and experiential learning, that foster character and community.

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors with children and animals, is outgoing, energetic, flexible, team-oriented and has an excitement for nature education. Previous experience in planning and implementing nature-relevant programs for youth development is strongly desired.

Here are the details about the positions: 

• Available Positions: 1
• Hourly Rate: $23.17/hour - $31.27/hour
• Work Schedule: 18 hours/week
• Typical Work hours: Work hours will be within the hours of 8:30AM – 5:00PM, with some weekend and evening work
• Part-Time, Year-Round, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position  
• Work Location: We have multiple sites within the district. Work location will be assigned at the time of hire. This position provides both on-site and off-site educational presentations
• Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 – June 30)
• Anticipated Start Date: May 2024

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, the Naturalist is primarily responsible for curriculum, and programming development and implementation; and organization and maintenance of the instructional museum and interpretive displays/exhibits. In addition, the Naturalist is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized and safe office and program space as well as provide recommendations for supplies for programs and maintenance for equipment. The Naturalist works with a team of Naturalists, supports the Senior Naturalist and provides direction and coaching to Naturalist Aide, volunteers and docents.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for interpretive programs at one of two nature sites, community events, outreach programs, and school sites (virtual and in person) throughout the county. The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (HSIC) focuses on salt marsh ecology and natural history and the Sulphur Creek Nature Center (SCNC) focuses on native wildlife and natural history. This class can be distinguished from the Naturalist Aide class as this has lead duties over the Naturalist Aide and receives direction by the Senior Naturalist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, schedule, prepare, market and implement interpretive programs for all ages in large and small group settings
• Develop curriculum and materials that is fun and engaging for interpretive programs and displays
• Organize and maintain a safe and clean program space and resident animal display
• Organize interpretive materials and supplies
• Report any repairs or maintenance needed on any equipment/tools used for programming
• Enforcing safety guidelines, District policies and procedures
• Recruit, train and oversee volunteers and Naturalist Aides
• Create training material and procedures
• Assist with marketing and outreach of programs
• Assists in the design and production of various interpretive media
• Acts as HARD and SCNC representative at public events
• Assists in planning and implementing resource management activities
• Assists in the operation and coordination of the HSIC and major recreation activities
• Performs minor custodial duties related to the maintenance of SCNC facilities and exhibits
• Assist in the implementation of on-going programs funded through grants and associated reporting requirements
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees predominantly work outdoors and/or classroom/indoor environment with loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/surface hazards, vibration, chemicals, cleaning agents, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances, odors, and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing safety and departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays and may have to travel between various locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to perform work. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, to operate tools and equipment, or handle animals. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach,

and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Ability and Skill to:

• Develop engaging and instructional curriculum, materials and projects
• Self-Motivated, can work independently with minimum supervision or with a team
• Organized and detail oriented
• Proactively plan for maintenance of equipment and programming needs
• Work with and serve a diverse community
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain professional and effective working relationships with others
• Strong communication skills
• Bi-lingual is desirable

Knowledge of:

• Design and techniques in environmental education and teaching methods to different abilities and modalities
• Various methods in youth development, behavior management and emotional, and physical safety
• Small office equipment such as computers, copy machines, projectors, and online streaming
• Basic budgeting, cash handling, register, inventory procedures and accounting

Education/Experience/Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, biology, recreation, interpretation or similar field of study
• Proven experience in MS Office programs: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook
• Experience in Active Net, live streaming, social media venues, Photoshop and InDesign desired. Experience in environmental education/interpretive programs including curriculum development. Experience in camp programs preferred
• Experience in coordinating special events and activities

Special Requirements:

• Strong interest and desire to work with local and/or Bay-estuary wildlife
• Pre-exposure vaccinations for rabies preferred (Sulphur Creek only)
• Must be 18 years old
• Must be able to work weekends and evenings
• Verification of ID and ability work in the USA
• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification required
• Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test
• Possession of a valid CA Driver’s License
• Any offer of employment to an adult employee who will have direct contact with minors is conditional upon a satisfactory fingerprint clearance and background check (DOJ)