Naturalist - 20101545

About the Role

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role as a Naturalist, headquartered at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County (7211 Bremen Road, Logan, Ohio 43138). This position is within the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and schedule interpretive programs at State Nature Preserves (e.g., Boch Hollow, Kessler Swamp, Shallenberger, Christmas Rocks, Rockbridge, Conkles Hollow) and other public or private sites for K‑12 school groups, interest groups, and the general public.
• Develop interpretive informational materials—including slide‑illustrated lectures, videos, signage, fact sheets, pamphlets, handouts, brochures, and displays—about Ohio’s unique ecology and geology, aligned with Ohio K‑12 education standards.
• Create engaging content for Division social media and write articles for print media (local newspapers, magazines, internal communications).
• Serve as the primary contact for preserve visitors: advise on preserve rules and regulations, respond to inquiries via telephone, email, social media, and in person.
• Coordinate and staff special events and outreach opportunities, including the Ohio State Fair.
• Participate in ecological management activities to control invasive species (hand pulling, mechanical removal, herbicide application, prescribed fire), working outdoors in inclement weather and exposure to poisonous plants and biting insects.
• Conduct field surveys and sampling of invasive species, rare species, and plant communities within Nature Preserves; collect and identify specimens, map occurrences, and document findings.
• Assist with local volunteer efforts: recruit volunteers, coordinate work projects, organize volunteer support for interpretive programs and invasive‑plant control.

Qualifications

• 18 months of training or experience preparing and/or presenting educational materials concerning wildlife and plants, plus one course or 3 months of experience in public relations, and a valid driver’s license; or
• Completion of associate‑degree core coursework in natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology) and a valid driver’s license; or
• 12 months of experience as a Naturalist Aide (position 22540) and a valid driver’s license; or
• Equivalent qualifications meeting the minimum class requirements for employment.

Skills

• Natural Resources
• Communications (Technical)
• Education (Technical)
• Attention to Detail (Professional)
• Adaptability (Professional)

Pay

Starting hourly pay is $23.65 /hr with multiple pay increases over the first 5.5 years, reaching $28.76 /hr. Cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLA) may be applied, and longevity pay supplements begin after five years of state service. See the OCSEA pay range schedule and longevity rates for details.

Schedule

Full‑time position; work hours vary and may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Agency Overview

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land, and more than 2 million acres of water. Across 12 divisions and support services, ODNR employs staff ranging from law enforcement officers and scientists to engineers, attorneys, communicators, and managers. Employees enjoy opportunities to participate in public events at parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas, and the Ohio State Fair, as well as internal “Lunch and Learn” sessions streamed on Teams Live.

Contact

• Abbie Hanners – 614‑265‑6981 – hr@dnr.ohio.gov
• Dana Smith – 614‑265‑6981 – hr@dnr.ohio.gov