Senior Park Naturalist (14283, Grade 18)

Salary: $50,595.00 – $70,100.00 Annually

Location : Brentwood, MD

Job Type: Career

Job Number: 14283

Department: PGC Parks and Recreation

Division: Natural and Historical Res

Opening Date: 09/27/2023

Closing Date: 10/26/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
The Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking an experienced Senior Park Naturalist to coordinate a dynamic and sophisticated work program with the potential to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards and outdoor enthusiasts. Based at Mount Rainier Nature Center, the position will support the Principal Park Naturalist and other staff at the site that includes supporting oversight of facility operations as well as the surrounding grounds including pollinator gardens, natural areas, and a small amphitheater.

With a collection of up to 30 animals, the Naturalist is responsible for supporting the development and coordination of the administration of nature-based interpretive, recreational, animal care / enrichment and educational programs — establishing goals and schedules, evaluating and approving content as well as incorporating scientific and specialized expertise. Program elements should range from sustainability and land use principles to fish and wildlife conservation.

A top priority will be internal and external outreach at the regional and local levels including community leaders, school administrators and teachers, nonprofit partners, Departmental colleagues and, of course, the public. The goal is to significantly expand the reach and influence of the Center and its programs – igniting curiosity, interest, and engagement with key audiences, especially youth.

In addition, the position is responsible to support the Principal Park Naturalist with administrative and financial functions including budget preparation and oversight, office operations, fee and revenue collection, reporting, recordkeeping, payroll and purchasing.
The position is ideal for an experienced individual who enjoys nature, caring for animals, building community, leading people, educating others, supervising creative programs, addressing challenges, and capitalizing on opportunities. This is a full time, career position with benefits and the typical work schedule is Tuesday – Saturday, 40 hours a week, with some evenings as required.
Examples of Important Duties

1. Responsible for domestic animal care for a variety of animals that includes enrichment, feeding, providing medicine, handling, and making sure their enclosures are clean and well maintained. Adheres to state and federal animal welfare regulations and standards. Follow the Department’s internal Animal Care Standard Operating procedures for the site.
2. Provides interpretive, recreational, and educational programs to the public. Research subjects and develops program plans. Upon approval, take all vital steps to complete a program, including: the preparation of presentation materials; aids; and a presenter’s guide. Presents programs of own design or those of others to varied groups. Responds to questions from the groups, explaining natural processes involved.
3. Participates in design and development of larger or more extensive programs under direction of higher-level naturalist staff and the Facility Director. Conducts research for programs and develops parts of, or designated aspects of, larger and more extensive programs. Presents or assists in presenting such programs to the public.
4. Provides customer service such as responding to guest’s inquiries via email, phone and/or in person. This can include responding to inquiries regarding the animals, upcoming programs, or questions related to other the Center’s operations or policies.
5. Performs facility operations including opening and closing procedures; checking in with program participants, collects fees and managing customer experiences; monitors building and grounds to ensure safety and security of facilities; observes center cleanliness and makes changes as needed; responds to emergency situations and contacts police, fire, or rescue personnel as appropriate.
6. Trains and leads volunteers, interns, and other part-time or occasional staff in work and conservation projects and provides performance assessments of such staff to management as requested.
7. Participates and supports the development of community festivals and special activities by proposing new activities and program ideas, collecting materials, preparing activities, helping coordinate volunteers for programs and presenting the programs to the public during these events.
8. Become proficient in Department software, including Microsoft Office Suite, RecTrac, Lawson, etc.
9. Assist with marketing materials, social media posts, and regularly reviews the Center’s website for accuracy and content.
10. Drive a multi-passenger vehicle for camps and specialized programs, taking animals to the veterinarian, picking up supplies, and attending meetings and other needs.

Important Worker Characteristics:
A. Considerable knowledge of, and skill in (1) natural, life, and physical sciences; (2) environmental science; (3) principles and practices of interpreting natural and cultural history to the public; (4) effective instructional methods and techniques; (5) natural resource management; (6) outdoor and water safety; (7) cultural history of area*; (8) specialized animal care*; (9) education standards and (10) Commission organization, policies, and procedures*.

Typically acquired or fully developed primarily after employment in this job class.

B. Knowledge of, and skill in assigning or reviewing tasks, setting the pace, and otherwise assisting the supervisor by leading a permanently formed work group or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge and skills.

C. Skill and ability to (1) provide expert knowledge of a subject matter or area in the development of interpretative programs; (2) provide technical resource and program leadership to environmental, nature, and wildlife groups within the community; (3) provide expertise in a subject matter or naturalist area to other governmental entities; (4) coordinate optimally with other entities, staffs, and units within the Commission and the community in planning and carrying out programs, events, and activities; (5) interpret technical natural and cultural history materials to patrons; (6) provide courteous service; (7) organize work efficiently; (8) develop program promotional advertising material; (9) lead staff; and (10) maintain operating knowledge with changing technologies; (11) and provide CPR and first aid.

D. Skill in problem solving to select, coordinate and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem.

E. Skill in communication to understand verbal and written information (including facts, descriptions, and ideas) and to express such information so that others will understand. Examples include writing clearly, effectively, and concisely; and planning, developing, leading, evaluating, and presenting programs of large and extensive scope.

F. Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with contacts in a businesslike and courteous manner; this includes skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working as a member of a team.

G. Skill in operation of (1) audio-visual equipment; (2) field sampling equipment; (3) camera; (4) motorboat, canoe, kayak; and (5) computer software, web-based management tools.
Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science, Life Science, Physical Science or any related field.
2. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) years.
3. Depending on area of assignment, a valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
4. Pass Commission medical examination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• One year experience working in a Parks and/or Recreation field.
• One year experience developing and leading interpretive programs.
• One year of animal care experience.

Supplemental Information
Classification Specification: Senior Park Naturalist (2316)

Working Conditions:
Works in indoor and outdoor settings. Work is scheduled during weekends, evenings, and holidays. Drives to attend various meetings and educational programs. Must be comfortable handling and being around animals.
All applicants to this job posting will be considered for this and future Senior Park Naturalist job openings for 6 months or until all qualified candidates have been exhausted from this job posting. At that time, a new job posting may be available for application to future openings.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2023 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan: Employee Contribution
Plan C: 9%* of base salary (FOP members only) – *9.5% Effective 4/1/2023
Plan E: 4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• Deferred Compensation MissionSquare 457 plan (Optional)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan – (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
• Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
• Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $2,850
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $5,000

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination – $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.