Seasonal Naturalist

We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : stewardship, integrity, collaboration, respect and innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its’ citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

This position will be located at Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson, Missouri and is a temporary seasonal labor position that will assist staff in the daily operations of the park.

The duration of assignment will be April through October of 2025 and will entail working weekends and holidays. Shift schedule will either be 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sam A. Baker State Park is one of the oldest and largest state parks in the system, providing beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks and recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. This position will provide growth, exploration, skills in communication and learning opportunities.

• Prepare and conduct interpretive natural/cultural history programs for groups of all ages and sizes
• Implement positive visitor center services
• Help care for the educational animals in the visitor center.
• Manage cleaning of the visitor center exhibits, bathrooms, lobby, etc.
• Register campers, collect camping fees and process daily camp receipts.
• Maintain the hiking trails (i.e. clearing trails, flagging trails, etc.).
• Partake in stewardship opportunities, such as removing invasive species and flora/fauna surveys within the park.

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:

• Interpretation (Resources) : Ability to coordinate, manage and direct interpretive or educational programing related to natural or cultural resources in a way that conveys significance to visitors; connecting them to personal relevance, shared learning, meeting specific learning objectives (i.e. educator or community needs), informing public about compliance and safety, supporting management of natural or cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhancing mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.
• Stewardship (Resources) : Basic knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of natural and cultural features along with special ecological stewardship requirements; capable of gaining experience in performing stewardship tasks required for strenuous outdoor work; ability to appear before the public, makes clear and convincing oral presentations; give out general information, conduct interpretive educational programs and conduct tours about natural and cultural history in an effective way; assist in supervising, recruiting, training and evaluating seasonal and volunteer staff.
• Decision Making : Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
• Flexibility: (***) Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.
• Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Other Preferred Qualifications/Experience/Special Job Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50lbs and walk over uneven terrain for long periods of time.
• Attending a college or university with at least a freshman standing and majoring in any of the natural sciences, history, cultural resource management, outdoor recreation, or interpretive services
• Not required, but MDC Level 1 fire training or equivalent to help on prescribed fires. Training will be provided.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Experience to be gained:

• Ability to give successful programs based on the National Association of Interpretation standards
• Ability to identify common exotic plants and management practices with invasive species
• Trail maintenance and best natural resource management practices
• Attend the Spring Interpretive Training May 18-21 where you will join informative sessions, network with peers, and participate in team building.

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• State of Missouri

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