Park Naturalist – Department of Recreation & Parks / Hashawha

Business: Carroll County Government

Location: Westminster

FULL TIME • PERMANENT

Business Product/Service: Local Government

Business Address:
225 N Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157

Phone: (410) 386-2129

Contact Name: Suzanne Schreuer
Title: Office Technician
Email: sschreuer@carrollcountymd.gov
Website: https://jobcenter.carrollcountymd.gov/

Job Description

As a Park Naturalist, you will provide high quality environmental and cultural history programming at Bear Branch Nature Center and Hashawha Environmental Center. Your responsibilities will include developing, implementing, and evaluating cultural and environmental programs for both group field trips and public programs highlighting the local flora and fauna of the piedmont region. You will also manage the day-to-day operations of the nature center, including scheduling facility use, maintenance, and animal care. This position requires an individual who is highly self-motivated, organized, and excited to share their wonder of the natural world with others.
Essential Duties
• Coordinate and lead a variety of educational programs on topics including flora and fauna, ecosystems, astronomy, and more. Present with live animal ambassadors, taxidermy, and other natural items.
• Manage daily operation of Bear Branch Nature Center. Schedule building use and manage facility rentals. Coordinate and perform general maintenance to ensure the cleanliness and organization of the building.
• Plan activities and supervise visitors. Monitor attendance and participation in programming, evaluate programs, and submit relevant reports. Handle financial transactions including cash, check, and online payments.
• Schedule, train, and supervise Nature Center volunteers, interns, and service-learning students.
• Design and construct live and display exhibits, using a variety of artistic media. Prepare handouts, newsletters, brochures, flyers, social media posts, and other materials.
• Oversee and provide support for Camp Director during multi-week summer camp programs. Interview and train volunteers to assist as camp counselors.
• Practice quality animal husbandry. Provide health care, and enrichment programs for captive, non-releasable wildlife, including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds of prey and maintain necessary state and federal permitting
• Act as a liaison between Nature Center Operations and park councils.
• Respond to loss of power or other emergency situations as needed to ensure the safety of program participants, general public, and captive animals.
• Exhibit integrity, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.
• Foster collaboration and provide learning opportunities. Facilitate a supportive work environment.
• Independently ensure all work is complete and timely to achieve department goals. Review work of others to ensure that organizational standards are met.
How You Will Succeed
Your Skills
• Teaching (Advanced)
• Raptor Handling and Care (Advanced)
• Fostering Communication (Intermediate)
• Photography (Developing)
• Cash Handling (Intermediate)
• Hand and Power Tools (Developing)
Your Strengths
• Service Excellence
• Decision Making
• Collaborating with Others
• Digital Literacy
• Continuous Learning
• Event Management
• Managing Resources
• Safety Focus
• Training Others

Why You Will Love Working Here
All the Benefits You Need
Carroll County Government is dedicated to fostering a culture focused on the total well-being of our employees. For eligible employees, this includes:
• Generous paid time off
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules and remote options, when applicable
• Comprehensive, no deductible medical plans including prescription and vision coverage, low-cost dental plan, and County paid basic life insurance.
• Pension, 401k, and 457 Retirement Accounts
• Up to $9,000 in Tuition Assistance per fiscal year
Find out more here: Carroll County Government | Carroll County, Maryland (carrollcountymd.gov)
Carroll County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The County Commissioners of Carroll County recognize the rights of all people, including County employees, to equal opportunity. Discrimination against County employees on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability is strictly prohibited. The Americans with Disabilities Act, Titles I and II, applies to County government employment. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Kristy L. Bixler, Director, Human Resources and Carroll County Government Americans with Disabilities Coordinator for Employment, at the Department of Human Resources (410-386-2129) or Md. Relay 711/800-735-2258. The mailing address is 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157.
Questions or need assistance? Please contact us at careers@carrollcountymd.gov, via telephone at 410-386-2129 or stop by our office at 225 N. Center Street, Room 100, Westminster, MD 21157 during normal business hours.
Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

Job Requirements

You Might Be a Good Fit If
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology or a related field
• Three or more years of related experience
• A comparable amount of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum requirement.
Required Licenses and Certifications
• Valid driver’s license
• CPR, AED, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen certification (or must obtain within three months of employment)
• Pool Operator certification (or must obtain at least 30 days before the opening of the pool)
Additional Information
• Requires criminal background check as condition of employment.
• Will be required to work outside of standard hours.
Working Conditions
• Frequent exposure to potentially adverse weather conditions.
• Frequent physical activity: standing/walking, pushing/pulling, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying, climbing steps, squatting, stooping, and related activities.
• Must wear appropriate PPE as required.

Other Job Requirements
Driver’s License, Bachelor’s Degree

Wages per hour: $28.25 – $49.44
Number of openings: 1
Overtime: NO
Benefits: YES
• Generous paid time off • 13 Paid Holidays • Flexible schedules and remote options, when applicable • Comprehensive, no deductible medical plans including prescription and vision coverage, low-cost dental plan, and County paid basic life insurance. • Pension, 401k, and 457 Retirement Accounts • Up to $9,000 in Tuition Assistance per fiscal year

Days of Work:
WEDNESDAY Hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  THURSDAY Hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  FRIDAY Hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  SATURDAY Hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  SUNDAY Hours are typically Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Shift:

How to Apply: https://jobcenter.carrollcountymd.gov/
Willing to Train: YES
Experience Required: YES
Experience in Months:
Minimum Age: 21 & over
Closing Date: 08/13/2025