City of Brookings  

Job Description    

Job Title:       Nature Park Naturalist/Intern

Department:  Parks, Recreation & Forestry  

Reports to:     Recreation Manager  

FLSA Status: Exempt

Grades:          B 

Type:               Part-Time 

 Wage:             $13.50 - $17.00

General Statement of Duties 

Work with Nature Center staff to complete tasks, lead programs and events, attend meetings and assist in certain divisions within the department while gaining a well-rounded experience through the issued responsibilities.

Supervision Received

Works under the direction and general supervision of the Recreation Manager or designated supervisor.

This job description is not all inclusive. The duties and responsibilities are subject to any changes deemed necessary by the Brookings Park & Recreation Department to ensure the safe and effective management of the facility and program offered. 

Essential Duties 

• Oversee or assist with various programs and events offered by the department, including but not limited to: youth programming, adult programming, special events, and nature programming.
• Create, oversee and implement a new program/event in the intern’s division of choice as it fits the department’s needs and budget.
• Provide a safe and controlled environment for all staff & participants  
• Prepare reports and other documents such as operating; activity and statistical reports; promotional materials and agenda items; present materials to the interested groups.
• Interact with participants & staff in all activities.
• Communicate with parents regarding the happenings of the program.
• Create a list of needed supplies for each program in a timely manner.
• Assist with the proper upkeep of the Nature Center facility.
• Maintain a friendly and enthusiastic approach when representing the Larson Nature Center and Brookings Parks & Recreation for park patrons, visiting groups and program participants.  
• Other duties as assigned

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Declared major/minor in Natural Resource Management, Human Development and Family Studies, Educattion or related field of study or other related degree, with an approved educational institution.
2. Valid driver’s License.
3. Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
4. Must be 18 year of age or older

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong base of knowledge of the outdoors & natural resources.
• Experience in using Microsoft office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Publisher.
• Experience in using social media 
• Experience in instructing groups of various ages.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
2. Ability to develop public understanding and participation in parks and recreation programs through public relations activities.
3. Ability to interpret to the public the program, its philosophy and objectives through all suitable means.
4. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative planning and working relationships with other public and volunteer community agencies.
5. Ability to achieve public relation objectives through speaking engagements and use of media.

Tools and Equipment Used

Employee must be capable of operating miscellaneous office and other equipment relative to this position which shall include but may not be limited to: personal computer, copier, fax machine, motor vehicles, recreation equipment, communication equipment and related items.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Length of Internship

The internship will extend for the minimum length of time that is required by the educational institution to meet graduation standards. May be extended as agreed up by the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director and the intern.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.