Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for a Naturalist within the Division of Parks & Watercraft, headquartered at Alum Creek State Park, assigned to Delaware County. The address is 3615 South Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015. To learn more about Alum Creek State Park, please visit Alum Creek State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov).

What you will do…

• Develop, plan & conduct interpretive & recreational programs for the general public & special interest groups;
• Lead visitors on excursions into the park & other ODNR properties;
• Plan & coordinate special events (e.g., workshops, community festivals);
• Coordinate volunteers related to educational programs;
• Perform public relations & marketing activities.
• Starting hourly pay of $20.92/hr with multiple pay increases over your first 6.5 years of service, with an end salary of $25.45/hr.

What’s in it for you…

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan.

Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completing an eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Employee Development Funds

• The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

We are ready for you!

We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources! Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!

18 mos. trg. or 18 mos. exp. in preparing &/or presenting educational materials concerning wildlife & plants; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations; valid driver’s license.

-Or completion of associate degree core coursework in natural sciences (e.g., biology, botany, zoology); valid driver’s license.

-Or 12 mos. exp. as Naturalist Aide, 22540; valid driver’s license.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Natural Resources, Technical Skills: Natural Resources, Professional Skills: Customer Focus, Presenting

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Knowledge of: inventory; employee training and development*; safety practices (care & handling of wild &/or potentially venomous animals & plants, outdoor safety); (11a) public relations (to include education techniques); (13b) agency policies & procedures (department, division, naturalist manual)*; (14) government structure & process (state & federal animal housing & care requirements); (20) natural sciences (biology, botany, zoology, Ohio natural history*); (23) Law (watercraft laws & regulation [paddling, rescue & safety])*. Skilled in: (25b) word processing (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); (28) handling of animals; (29) equipment operation (related to animal care, automobile, audio-visual equipment, exhibit/show equipment, fishing equipment, archery equipment, boats [e.g., canoe, kayak, paddle board], personal computer, general office equipment, cell phone, 2-way radio, all-terrain vehicle, hand tools). Ability to: (30m) interpret extensive variety of technical material in books, journals & manuals; (31a) count, do basic addition & subtraction; (31c) comprehend & record figures accurately; (32b) recognize safety warnings; (32l) maintain accurate records; (32r) deal with many variables & determine specific action (plan, market, implement and evaluate programs); (32t) understand & use proper research methods in gathering data; (32u) prepare & deliver nature/wildlife & watercraft/paddling speeches & lectures before the general public; (33e) gather, collate & classify information about data, people, or things; (34d) answer routine inquiries from public & media; (32j) copy material accurately & recognize grammatical & spelling errors; (32v) originate &/or edit articles for publication; (30b) recognize unusual or threatening conditions & take appropriate action; (32k) complete routine forms; (34b) work alone on most tasks; (30h) solve practical everyday problems; (35a) demonstrate dexterity to (move legs & feet to climb hills & walk distances on rough terrain).

*Developed after employment

COMPETENCIES: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public, Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others, Getting Information

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614-265-6992 or mohammad.yakubu@dnr.ohio.gov.

Effective July 1, 2015 applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System [OHMS] Home page at the following link careers.ohio.gov, and selecting "My Profile".

Bargaining unit applicants will be given consideration for applicable positions, pursuant to collective bargaining agreement.

Selection devices, proficiency testing and/or assessments may be used to determine if an applicant meets and is proficient in the minimum qualifications for this position.

Applicants may attach the following document types:

•Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx)

•PDF (.pdf), •Plain Text (.txt)

•Rich Text (.rtf)
Please do not upload attachments that have an anomaly or are password protected.

VERIFIABLE INFORMATION

Applicants must clearly identify how qualifications are met within the education and/or experience sections of the applications. All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application. Attachments will be considered as part of the application packet in addition to the fully completed civil service application, not in place of. Applicants may be required to submit transcripts or licensure(s) to support their application.