Part-Time Nature Assistant

About the role

The City of Gainesville is seeking a Part-Time Nature Assistant to join the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department’s Environmental Education team at the new Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement educational and interpretive programs and tours (primarily at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Park) for a diverse audience.
• Provide outreach programming and/or table community events.
• Aid in nature center upkeep/cleaning and light grounds maintenance including gardening.
• Care for nature center collections.
• Respond to public inquiries in writing and verbally.
• Assist with volunteer work.
• Assist with special events.
• Book programs, maintain records and develop reports.

Requirements

• Graduated from high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma, supplemented by certifications or college level courses in ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, park management, forestry, education, horticulture, biology, or related field.
• One (1) year experience in public contact work related to environmental education or interpretation or in an outdoor setting.
• One (1) of the following may be used to substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience:
  • An Associate’s degree or higher with major coursework in environmental or natural science, education, recreation, biology, or related subject.
  • The Florida Master Naturalist Course and Basic Certification by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).

Qualifications

• Valid driver license required at time of appointment.
• Valid Florida driver license required within thirty (30) days of appointment.
• American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid certification is required within six months of appointment.
• May be Required to Complete an Assessment(s).

Skills

• Knowledge of Florida ecology and natural habitats.
• Knowledge of wildlife, botany, and related areas.
• Knowledge of computers and relevant software.
• Ability to work with private and public groups and agencies in environmental education and/or natural resource management.
• Ability to work around domesticated and non domesticated animals.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and substances, including but not limited to: herbicides, gasoline, motor oil, household cleaning and maintenance chemicals, animal excrement and bodily fluids.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles.

Benefits

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package including traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, as well as on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.

Pay

Salary Range: $15.06 - $23.51 per hour

Schedule

Nature Center hours are Tues – Thursday 10 am – 3 pm during summer hours and 12 pm – 5 pm fall-spring hours. Sun 10 am – 3 pm year round. One Sunday a month will be off. This position will require weekend and holiday work.