Park Naturalist III - Carlisle Visitor Center

Description

This position supports wildlife education through interpretive programming, public engagement, large event setup and teardown, and facility maintenance as needed. Responsibilities include daily husbandry care for program animals, including amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic species, with the potential to work with raptors, corvids, and mammals. The Park Naturalist III engages directly with the public to provide accurate Park District information and deliver high-quality nature and wildlife education through formal programs, large events, and informal interactions.

The position conducts a wide variety of interpretive programs focusing on wildlife education—both assigned and self-initiated—with oversight from a supervisor. Programs may include guided hikes, hands-on activities, and lectures, and must be professionally researched, planned, developed, and presented using accurate and current information. Audiences include preschoolers, students of all ages, scouts, families, civic and service organizations, adults, and senior citizens. School programs must align with Naturalist Department standards, and Scout programs may be required to meet badge requirements. Programming may involve the use of audiovisual equipment, live or taxidermy animals, instruments, and tools, as well as room setup, scheduling, and facility preparation and cleanup.

The Park Naturalist III also disseminates information through personal contact, telephone inquiries, written correspondence (electronic and print), published writing assignments such as the Park District’s Arrowhead newsletter, and interpretive exhibits. The position is frequently called upon to research, design, fabricate, organize, and maintain Park District interpretive displays and programming areas, ensuring all content is accurate and in good working order.

A significant component of this position involves the professional care, management, and husbandry of program and display wildlife. The Park Naturalist III performs daily animal care duties for a variety of species that may include insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, both native and non-native. Responsibilities include feeding, watering, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, enrichment construction and distribution, daily behavioral observations, record keeping, and reporting changes in behavior, appetite, or physical condition to their supervisor. Some wildlife may be considered mildly dangerous, including raptors such as hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, and vultures, requiring prior experience and/or the ability to be trained in safe handling and care procedures within two months of hire.

Specific animal care responsibilities include daily husbandry duties as assigned. Tasks may include assisting with daily weighing of birds, requesting established trained behaviors, administering medications as needed, performing enclosure maintenance (raking, hosing, turf changes, perch cleaning, substrate replacement, misting, water changes, tank cleaning), maintaining animal prep areas, and assisting with seasonal tasks such as assigned. The position coordinates closely with their supervisor to ensure regular sanitization and cleaning of animal facilities in compliance with USDA regulations and assists with special animal care husbandry projects, enclosure remodeling, and supply purchasing.

The Park Naturalist III also assists with courtyard and Wildlife Garden maintenance, including pond care, plant maintenance, feeder and birdbath cleaning, and general upkeep of outdoor interpretive spaces. Facility responsibilities further include assisting with facility opening and closing procedures, general grounds upkeep and building maintenance, inventories of tools and equipment, and maintaining organized animal care and program support areas.

Programming support is a core function of this position. The Park Naturalist III assists with on-site and off-site wildlife programs, supports major Park District events and initiatives, conducts smaller-scale programs and animal pop-ups, and collaborates with staff to develop themed programming and interpretive experiences. The position supports wildlife education through the safe and appropriate use of program animals during educational programs, events, and outreach activities. Responsibilities may also include assisting with animal training projects to prepare new program animals, as well as helping to oversee, train, and support interns, seasonal staff, and volunteers as assigned.

The Park Naturalist III frequently provides timely and accurate Park District information to the public through in-person interactions, telephone inquiries, electronic communication, and written correspondence. All information must be delivered in a pleasant, professional manner. The position often serves in a visitor-facing role, welcoming and interacting with guests at facilities, exhibits, and off-site events.

Clerical and administrative duties are also required and include composing correspondence, answering and directing telephone calls, scheduling facilities, staff, volunteers, and programs using the Park District’s computerized reservation system, preparing reports and records, animal care record keeping, and maintaining accurate program, safety, and scheduling data. The position requires proficiency with office and programming equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, audiovisual equipment, two-way radios, and other related tools. The Park Naturalist III will fully participate in the Park District’s computer network, including email, internet, and occasional website content submission.

The Park Naturalist III participates in the Park District’s safety program and performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

ANNUAL SALARY/RATE OF PAY: $17.50 per hour

INTERNAL POSTING DATES: Monday, April 20 through Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Interested applicants should apply online and submit a résumé by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026

Requirements

Education/Experience: Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or GED) and at least 2 years of college coursework in Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Interpretation, Forestry, or a related natural science field is required; a 4-year degree is preferred. An associate's degree in a related field is acceptable. Previous work experience in these fields is preferred, particularly experience developing and conducting recreational or educational programs or leading nature-based programming.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate daily with co-workers, volunteers, and the public professionally, courteously, and effectively through speech – including in person, on telephone, and over two-way radio – and in writing. Candidates should demonstrate strong presentation, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with effective public speaking abilities highly desired. Experience in public relations, customer service, administrative support, and event or staff scheduling is preferred, along with the ability to work collaboratively with staff and respond professionally to public inquiries. Proficiency in basic computer applications—including word processing, spreadsheets, email, internet use, and computer-generated presentations such as PowerPoint—is required. The use of English is essential.

Mathematical Skills: The mastery of basic mathematics, including, but not limited to ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole and fractional numbers and decimals; the ability to calculate percentages; and the ability to operate related mathematical equipment such as calculators and adding machines is essential.

Reasoning Ability: The ability to understand and carry out instructions with limited supervision; to co¬ordi-nate several unique and variable concurrent requests involving staffing, programming, and facilities; ability to copy material accurately; recognize spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors; maintain accurate records; gather, collate, and classify information; and answer routine inquiries from the public is essential.

Licensing/Registrations: The possession of a valid Ohio Driver’s License; the ability to be insurable by the Park District’s insurance carrier; and the ability to conform to the driving standards policy as approved by the Board of Park Commissioners are mandatory. The possession or the ability to acquire certification of valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification within six months of the initiation of employment is necessary.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit for pro¬longed periods of time; and to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The use of hands and fingers to key data, use a computer and typewrite, file paperwork, feel and manipulate objects, tools, and equipment; and to reach with hands and arms, etc., is essential. The employee is regularly required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, and balance. The employee regularly works with animals, including direct handling of animals, handling of food for animals, and the cleaning and handling of soiled animal areas. Employees may also be required to use hand tools, power tools, and operate various types of power and non-power equipment. Employee must possess the ability to operate standard office equipment and to set up and maintain a file system.

Work Environment: While performing the regular duties of the position, the employee will regularly work in an office environment, as well as outside in a wide variety of weather conditions. Work noise level is usually moderate.

Additional Information: The employee must possess the ability to deal with the public in a courteous, positive manner and to establish and maintain effective working relations with volunteers, co-workers, supervisors, and the public. The ideal applicant is creative, active, and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to the professional care and management of wildlife program ambassador animals and to educating the public about local wildlife. The position requires the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with staff and volunteers, manage multiple tasks independently, and adapt to changing priorities. The candidate must satisfactorily complete a background investigation. Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who are tobacco users.

The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments, and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer.