11/01/1982 54080

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERPRETIVE TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION: This is technical work in the field of environmental education and interpretation services.

An employee in this class performs a variety of assignments in the preparation and the implementation of a scheduled environmental interpretive program at a state park. Work involves conducting guided hikes and tours of park buildings and nature centers, and identifying and providing information on park plants and wildlife to park visitors. Work also involves conducting slide programs for senior citizens and youth groups on wildlife, collecting and maintaining nature centers and specimens for exhibits, observing and recording habits of wildlife and their characteristics, and serving as a naturalist in a nature center or museum. Work also includes establishing and maintaining close liaison with local and state conservation groups, civic organizations, schools, and the public concerning environmental education. Work assignments are received in either written or oral form. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion by a professional superior for completeness, technical accuracy, and quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Participates in coordinating and implementing environmental education and interpretive programs at a state park.

Conducts special programs for schools, scouting groups, senior citizens, and social organizations in a state park.

Conducts guided hikes, tours of park buildings, and nature centers.

Conducts guided tours of parks and identifies and provides information on park plants and wildlife to park visitors.

Conducts audio-visual programs for schools, teachers, senior citizens, and other special interest groups.

Participates in conducting in-service workshops for teachers on environmental education and interpretive services.

Collects and maintains specimens for exhibits in nature centers and museums.

Observes and records habits of wildlife and their characteristics for public information.

Serves as a naturalist in a nature center or museum.

Prepares letters, reports, correspondence, and other written material as required.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the trees, shrubs, wildlife, and lower forms of plant life native to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Knowledge of the mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects native to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Ability to operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

Ability to use photographic equipment for both long distant scenic color photos and color slides, and close-up color photos of wildflowers, insects and animals.

Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate work activities.

Ability to read and write English at the GED 4 level.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, local, state, and Federal conservation officials, and the public regarding environmental education and interpretive services.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Educational development to the high school level or equivalent level supplemented by at least two college level courses in botany, ornithology, ecology, wildlife, mammalogy, entomology or related courses;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.