Department: Briar Bush Nature Center
Position: Senior Naturalist
Reports to: Director, Briar Bush Nature Center
Supervises: Part-time personnel and Volunteers
Classification: FLSA – FT Exempt

Purpose: The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional work teaching classes and managing flora, fauna, and facilities at the Briar Bush Nature Center; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision. Supervision is exercised over part-time personnel and volunteers.

Tasks: Manages flora and fauna for the optimal balance of use and conservation; oversees the safety and maintenance of the Center’s built structures and grounds; reports specialized maintenance needs to the Parks Department director and maintenance staff; oversees contracted services for maintenance and capital projects, including organizing quotes, bids, contracts and other documentation, in cooperation with other township departments; develops and teaches natural history classes for various groups; Responds to the public to answer nature-related questions via phone, electronic communication, and inperson; cooperates and advises on environmental matters within the Parks Department and with other township officials and volunteers; Trains and supervises maintenance volunteers at Briar Bush; maintains records and files; assists in researching and writing grant proposals associated with grounds and facilities; Participates in longer term property planning and visioning; performs related tasks as required.

Job Standards (Minimum qualifications needed to perform essential functions): Thorough knowledge of native and invasive exotic flora and fauna and management practices thereof, knowledge of horticulture practice including tree/shrub planting and care; knowledge of teaching methods and techniques; knowledge of biological/ecological processes and local environmental issues, and ability to interpret this knowledge to a wide audience including children, families, adults, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs; ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community partner, associates, volunteers, program participants and the general public; ability to prepare technical reports; ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing. Knowledge and experience in facilities maintenance.

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinction in sound frequently; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities frequently; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental 
conditions, and atmospheric conditions.

Equipment: Ability to safely and effectively operate general maintenance and landscaping hand tools (such as a hammer and weed wrench) and power tools (such as a chainsaw.) Ability to drive a utility vehicle. Ability to operate general office equipment.

Education: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural resources, land management, environmental education or related field.

Location: Briar Bush Nature Center, Abington, PA

Special Requirements: Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Ability to pass background checks that allow work with children.