Seasonal Naturalist

About the role

Lake Metroparks is seeking a Seasonal Naturalist to develop, support, and present interpretive programs focused on natural and cultural history for visitors of all ages. Under the direction of the Nature Center Facility Manager, this position promotes Lake Metroparks’ mission, environmental stewardship, and excellent public service. This seasonal position is scheduled to work 40 hours per week, including a combination of front desk shifts and programming shifts based on facility and program needs. The position is expected to end on Presidents’ Day 2027, Monday, February 15, 2027.

Pay

$12.00 starting hourly to $16.00 hourly rate; starting salary based on prior experience and education.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) credential, or equivalent education, training, and experience required.
• Coursework or demonstrated interest in natural sciences, environmental education, interpretation, parks and recreation, education, biology, ecology, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience presenting educational or interpretive programs, working with the public, or assisting with youth, family, or community programs preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Agency’s policy.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and variable hours based on program and facility needs.
• Must be able to provide respectful service to participants, visitors, volunteers, coworkers, and community partners.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Must be able to operate Park District vehicles and remain insurable under the Park District’s liability policy, if driving is assigned.

All Park District employees shall complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, sexual harassment and additional job specific training.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, and presents interpretive programs and activities related to natural and cultural history for audiences of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Assists with department programs, projects, special events, outreach activities, and facility operations as assigned.
• Communicates Lake Metroparks’ role in conservation, environmental stewardship, and responsible use of natural resources.
• Provides courteous visitor service, including greeting guests, answering basic questions, assisting with front desk or program registration duties, and directing visitors to appropriate resources.
• Prepares, organizes, transports, uses, and stores program supplies, displays, equipment, and materials in a safe and professional manner.
• Follows all applicable safety procedures, reports hazards or incidents promptly, and supports a safe environment for participants, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
• Maintains accurate program-related records and communicates program needs, concerns, and attendance information to the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and public speaking skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Skill in preparing and delivering engaging, age-appropriate interpretive programs and activities.
• Skill in organizing supplies, managing time, and adapting to changing program or visitor needs.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands and fingers to handle program materials, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may frequently walk on paved, gravel, grassy, wooded, or uneven surfaces and may occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb stairs, or carry supplies for programs and events. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull program materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and may occasionally assist with items weighing up to 50 pounds with appropriate assistance or equipment. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus for program delivery, computer use, driving, and observing outdoor conditions.

Work Environment

The employee works in both indoor and outdoor settings, including visitor areas, classrooms, offices, program spaces, trails, parks, and natural areas. Work may occur in varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, wind, or changing terrain. The position may involve exposure to insects, plants, wildlife, mud, dust, pollen, uneven or slippery surfaces, vehicle traffic in park areas, moderate noise, and public interaction. The employee is expected to wear appropriate attire or assigned uniform items and use required personal protective equipment when conditions or assigned tasks warrant.

Benefits

• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) membership
• Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership
• Lake Metroparks employee discounts
• Mental health support and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources