PARK NATURALIST Location Arlington, VA : Position Information Are you passionate about the environment, science, working outdoors, conservation, and teaching? Do you want to work teaching conservation within a highly diverse community? Arlington County, with over 100 different spoken languages, is the place for you! The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a Park Naturalist to manage and deliver outdoor programs, science and conservation-based festivals, and volunteer events throughout the County for diverse audiences. This employee will promote environmental conservation and stewardship through hands-on work, outdoor skills programs, native plant gardening, invasive removal, park maintenance, and maintaining native animal collections. This position is based at Gulf Branch Nature Center, reports to the Program Manager, and is part of the Conservation and Interpretation Unit. Specific duties include:
Develop and manage interpretive programs and exhibits, covering a wide range of natural history topics for a diverse group of audiences; Promote community relations by developing special community outreach programs that focus on conservation and stewardship; Maintain native plant gardens and a live animal collection, including supporting wildlife rehabilitation and ensuring the care of injured wildlife; Manage programs, large scale events, group tours and public use of the facility, including provide safety and security of the facilities; Coordinate and oversee work of volunteers and temporary/seasonal staff; Provide guidance on professional technical issues along with input and assistance to other professionals and County staff; Assist with the park maintenance and conservation by participating in biotic inventories and related resource management activities; Perform administrative tasks such as organizing and coordinating conservation projects and prepare educational brochures and other written material as required; and Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Selection Criteria Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Natural History Research, Environmental Education, Wildlife Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Biology, or related field; and Some experience in park programming, natural resource management, natural history research, and/or exhibit construction and design. Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement. Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience/certification in one or more of the following: The design and presentation of nature programs; Working at a nature center, environmental education center, or park visitor center; Course work or experience with native plant propagation and gardening; Fluency in a second language such as Spanish, Amharic, or other top spoken language in Arlington; and/or Wildlife rehabilitation certification or experience, including caring for and handling a live exhibit animal collection. Special Requirements The Employee must possess or obtain valid CPR, First Aid and AED certifications within 60 days of employment and maintain certifications while in role. The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record. A pre-hire background check will be made on selected individual. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. Work Environment: required to walk for long periods of time (leading hikes), performing manual labor such as lifting tables, moving boxes and equipment. Digging for long periods of time (gardening), stooping, bending, and working outdoors in all types of weather.
Additional Information Work Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, core hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Schedule must be flexible and based on agency needs, includes evenings and weekend work typically scheduled several times per month. Employee will also work at other sites throughout the County. Please make sure to include details of experience on your application and complete the Supplemental Questionnaire in its entirety. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. #LI-Onsite
Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at (voice) or email .
