Park Naturalist

Clay County, MO • Internship • Smithville, MO • $15 / hour • 3w ago

This Park Naturalist Intern will conduct varied outdoor interpretive/education programs and guided hikes or walks. Prepare and present lectures, talk about the park's features, and conduct field trips to point out scientific and natural features of forests, parks and lakes. Provide care to captive wild animals. Assist Park staff with wildlife habitat restoration projects, exotic/invasive species control, research, and data collection. Exercise independent judgment by prioritizing work procedures. Weekend and holiday assignments may be required.

Internship will run roughly May 2026 - August 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide interpretive outdoor/conservation education programs for people of all age groups and backgrounds in an outdoor setting, library, school, church, etc.
Research and develop program topics; collect program materials
Handle plants, amphibians, reptiles, and other animals
Correctly identify species of plants and animals
Public relations contacts – in person, via telephone, at county offices, distribute brochures, maps, and other handouts
Maintain park areas through use of mowers, trimmers, sprayers, and trash removal. Use of hand and power tools; some minor construction may be involved
Office duties – customer service, answer telephones, file, copy, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Applicant must possess a valid driving license.
Prefer currently enrolled, degree seeking student in a college or university majoring in environmental interpretation, parks/recreation, wildlife management, forestry, botany, environmental sciences, education, or closely related field.

Environmental Demands/ Working Conditions:

Outdoor conditions including extreme heat/cold and adverse weather conditions. Exposure to dirt, dust, insects, poison ivy, etc.