Wildlife Education Specialist

Wildlife Education Specialist – Part Time

Rate: $12.00/hr. – minimum starting rate based on prior experience and education

Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Description: 

Under the direction of the Wildlife Education Manager, the part-time Wildlife Education Specialist offers educational and interpretive programs relating to wildlife and wildlife conservation issues, develops curriculum for wildlife programs for schools and public programming, develops interpretive tools such as brochures and signage, and provides other visitor services. Responsible for training, cleaning, feeding and providing enrichment for permanent animal ambassadors. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Presents prepared school programs and general Parks Plus programs to the public.
• Cleans animal ambassador enclosures, provides enrichment, and training with animal ambassadors.
• Edits current programs, researches and develops new programs.
• Provides program support to special events.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, environmental education or related field, or equivalent experience required. 
• 1-2 years prior experience working with wildlife preferred.

Position Requirements: 

• Basic knowledge of native Ohio wildlife.
• Basic knowledge of animal handling. 
• Excellent presentation and verbal and written communications skills. 
• Must be comfortable speaking in public in front of small and large groups.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for working with families and children of all ages.
• Must be self-motivated, self-directed, flexible, creative, able to perform with poise under pressure and to deliver strong and measurable results. 
• Ability to stimulate interest and excitement about program subject and the park district in visitors and other staff.
• Ability to interact with others with tact and courtesy and maintain integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers.
• Ability to safely utilize ladders, small power tools, and motor vehicles 
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work in a team setting to accomplish park-related goals. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a high paced environment.
• Proficiency in computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be willing to have pre-exposure rabies shots. 
• Must have proof of recent tetanus shot or have ability to get one in a timeframe agreed to with manager.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Variable work schedule up to 28 hours per week.
• Will be required to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Must possess a valid drivers’ license and insurable on the Agency’s liability policy. Background check required.

Benefits: 

The Lake Metroparks benefits package includes OPERS membership, agency-wide discounts, and Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership.