Naturalist

Purpose of Job: All positions in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board support the schools' priority of student achievement and the Board's mission to educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life, and to enrich our communities. Employees demonstrate empathy and respect in all interactions, are committed to service excellence, and embrace change through innovation. The purpose of the Naturalist position is to plan, implement, and co-lead/instruct outdoor education programs and use of the Outdoor Education sites, linked to the Ontario curriculum.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and facilitate the Outdoor Education programs for all grade levels in consultation with Teachers, directly linked to the Ontario curriculum considering safety aspects, determining expected outcomes, researching topics, analyzing information, finding or inventing activities and worksheets, testing, and writing activities up for the Program Guide, and maintaining interactive displays for student use.
• Maintain the operation and security of the Outdoor Education Centre building, equipment, and site, ensuring a safe and clean environment, restocking supplies, repairing, cleaning, shoveling snow, keeping trails clear, collecting garbage, and reporting maintenance problems to regional conservation authority or Board.
• Maintain site safety by proactively checking the physical property daily, delivering safety lectures, administering first aid when required, and creating emergency plans in the event of an accident.
• Maintain manuals, instruction sheets, checklists, booking forms, worksheets, and records retention.
• Schedule the use of the Outdoor Education Centre and compile and maintain related statistics.
• Provide information to teachers who are looking for resources and information concerning outdoor education sites and programs in the area.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Principal of Program.

Supervision: May plan, assign, monitor, and support the work of Co-operative Education Students and Student Teachers.

Main Contacts: Internal: students, staff, and volunteers. External: general public, representatives from government agencies.

Education and Experience Required: 3-year College or undergraduate University degree in a related field. 6 months to 1-year recent experience (in a related field).

Specialized Skills Required: Familiarity with Ontario Curriculum requirements and specialized programs related to the outdoors (e.g., Project Wild, Focus on Forest, Fishways). Valid First Aid certificate. Valid driver's license and use of own vehicle. A commitment to service excellence.

Effort and Working Conditions: Outdoor education centre; change from indoor to outdoor temperatures; moderate exposure to allergens, UV rays, insects, dust, dirt, and extreme temperatures; some pressure to meet deadlines. Moderate amounts of lifting materials under and over 5 Kg, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and some dealing with difficult people.