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 an intermittent (limited to 1000 hours per fiscal year) Fellow for Indigenous Affairs within the Division of Parks & Watercraft, headquartered at Great Council State Park, located in Greene County. The address is 1587 US 68 North, Xenia, OH 45385. Temporary location of the position until the facility opens is: John Bryan State Park 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387.
To learn more about the Division of Parks & Watercraft please visit Division of Parks & Watercraft.
What you will do…
Be the face of ODNR at Great Council State Park developing relationships with Shawnee tribes and related facilities to present an authentic and accurate depiction of the unique history of the Old Town area
Assist with developing and conducting cultural history, recreation, and interpretive programs and special events in the park
Assist with development of brochures or publications
Assist with creating park signage, trail maps, outdoors interpretation
Perform outreach to public or special groups to spread the word and promote the new facility prior to opening
Assist with social media accounts updates
Assist with trail maintenance and landscaping
This intermittent position:
is limited to 1000 hours in a fiscal year;
will remain at step 1 of the pay range;
is not eligible for benefits (e.g., vision, dental, life, health insurance, holiday pay, leave accruals [vacation, personal, sick], any other paid leave, shift differential, pay supplements, etc.);
serves in the unclassified service pursuant to ORC 124.11 (A)(29) and, as such, serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.
What’s in it for you…
Ability to work in some of the most beautiful parks in the country
Daily interactions with a variety of guests who utilize the park and watercraft services
At least a 14% employer contribution into your OPERS pension plan
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!
Official Position Description:
Under general supervision researches, develops, and plans interpretive & recreational programs (e.g., nature walks, night hikes, & presentations for general public/special interest groups, tours) about Ohio’s natural, historical & cultural heritage; answers questions for public as related to interpretive programs & nature/visitor center; interprets park regulations & takes proper safety precautions to lead youths & adults on excursions into park; plans & coordinates special events (e.g., workshops, fall campouts); assists scout groups, schools & clubs with park projects (e.g., trail development, habitat improvement projects); teaches fishing, archery, & paddling classes (e.g., canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard) according to approved division curriculum & with attention to laws & proper safety precautions; assists with the development & maintenance of displays & exhibits; assists with organizing & preparing brochures, interpretive park signs, & promotional publications; assists with volunteers related to educational programs; provides background information for purchases of equipment & material & assists with education-related inventory; tracks attendance for grant purposes.
May be responsible for daily care of live animals used in programs (e.g., feed animals, keeps cages & equipment clean & in working order); complies with state & federal housing & care requirements; provides for the health & safety of animals; consults with veterinarian when necessary; ensures park compliance with Division of Wildlife permits; notifies supervisor of issues.
Performs public relations/marketing activities & assists with statewide events, exhibits & shows (e.g., boat shows, state fair, trade shows); responds to inquiries about programs; makes media appearances promoting state parks & park activities; participates in events statewide (e.g., festivals & state fair); assists in the development of outreach materials; works with division program manager on state-wide programming initiatives including but not limited to educational videos and live webinars for public use.
Assists in maintaining trails (e.g., picks up litter, removes fallen debris, reports hazards); maintains nature center, office space (e.g., empties trash, vacuums); maintains equipment used in programming (e.g., makes minor repairs such as filters, light bulbs).
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Annual seasonal naturalist training session.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside exposed to weather, venomous reptiles or infectious animal bites & scratches; must be able to provide own transportation.
Qualifications
1 course or 3 mos. exp. in biology; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in botany; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in zoology; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in outdoor safety practices; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations.
-Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.
Knowledge of: safety practices (care & handling of wild &/or potentially venomous animals & plants, outdoor safety); public relations (to include education techniques); agency policies & procedures (department, division, naturalist manual)*; government structure & process (state & federal animal housing & care requirements); natural sciences (biology, botany, zoology, Ohio’s natural history*); Law (watercraft laws & regulation [paddling, rescue & safety])*. Skilled in: word processing (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams); handling of animals; equipment operation (related to animal care, automobile, all-terrain vehicle, hand tools, 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). Ability to: interpret extensive variety of technical material in books, journals & manuals; count, do basic addition & subtraction; comprehend & record figures accurately; prepare & deliver nature/wildlife & watercraft/paddling speeches & lectures before the general public; gather, collate & classify information about data, people, or things; answer routine inquiries from public & media; recognize unusual or threatening conditions & take appropriate action; complete routine forms; work alone on most tasks; solve practical everyday problems; 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).
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".
NOTES:
Bargaining unit applicants will be given consideration for applicable positions, pursuant to collective bargaining agreement.