Husbandry Specialist & Environmental Steward

Position Title: Husbandry Specialist & Environmental Steward

Location: Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Greeley Blvd, Springfield, Virginia 22152

Hours: Part time/ 25-30 hour per week average

Schedule: Hours can include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

Salary: $18-$22 per hour

Overview: This position is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the live animal collection at Hidden Pond Nature Center. Develop and facilitate training for staff and youth volunteers. Share your passion for nature with the public as you conduct interpretive programs about our natural world for students and the public. Assist with the day-to-day operations including opening/closing of the nature center and serving as the naturalist-on-duty. Enhance your knowledge of local flora and fauna. Refine your public speaking skills through teaching a variety of nature-based educational programs, including standards-based curricula for school groups and others, both at our park and at offsite locations (e.g., schools). Position also includes assistance with trail and natural resource maintenance.

Duties:

• Animal care- Under the guidance and direction of the Visitor Services Manager, creates and maintains live animal exhibits and other natural and cultural temporary displays. Monitors and maintain health of live specimens. Includes maintaining feeding and cleaning schedules, providing guidance and direction of feeding and care of animals and exhibits. Maintain tanks (aquarium and terrarium), pumps, filters, lights. Responsible for training and certifying staff and volunteers in animal care and animal handling. Reviewing documentation to ensure standards are being adhered to.
• Naturalist in Charge (NIC)- Performing opening and closing duties ensuring security, safety, resource protection, and other aspects related to the visitor experience at the Nature Center during NIC shift. Interacting with visitors by answering questions and discussing topics related to the natural environment. Answering phones, registering participants in programs or taking payments for other services. Oversee volunteers providing animal care during NIC shift
• Programs and program support - Work with Senior Interpreter to create Exhibit Interpretive signage. Research, write or review the preparation of brochures, flyers, technical publications related to animals on exhibit or in the park and trail interpretation. Is subject matter expert in animal husbandry program content. Lead programs as a frontline interpreter for environmental education. This includes School programs, series classes, summer camps, birthday parties, scout groups, and outreach programs.
• Data Collection and Maintenance-Ensures proper record keeping of natural and cultural collections onsite and during program activity. Assists in the preparation of required report filing.
• Trail Monitoring & Maintenance- With guidance from the site manager, regularly walk the trails looking for hazards or issues. Provide recommendations or minor repairs such as weeding, trimming, small tree cutting, erosion control and other obstacles that impede trail activities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural, life, or physical sciences, education, or a closely related field. Experience with animal care and exhibit maintenance, presenting interpretive programs or teaching children as young as 3 years old. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to effectively address and respond to citizen inquiries and questions. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. First Aid/CPR/AED certified or the ability to attain certification within the first six months of employment.                   

Note: *This position is scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year. This position is eligible to receive limited benefits, including: Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage, Flexible Spending Program, and Deferred Compensation.

To apply: Please send your resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Necessary Special Requirements: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer. 

If you have any questions, please email FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov or visit us online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/jobs-internships

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.  

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.