Natural Resources Education Specialist

Page last updated on January 23, 2026 at 3:46 pm

Job Description

Duties

Develops and facilitates environmental education programs for all ages.
Facilitates general community programs as advertised in the Parks and Recreation Program Guide.
Collaborates with teachers and administrators during school visits.
Aligns programs to Indiana science and math education standards.
Partners with other Parks and Rec Divisions or other community/government agencies to expand opportunities.
Works on a team to plan special events for the community.
Sources and maintains educational supplies in good working order.
Develops environmental education lesson plans and field trips for Banneker Community Center summer program.
Assists with grant reporting and program tracking.
Reports regularly to the Natural Resources Coordinator on program success or improvements.
Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge of Indiana flora and fauna, habitats and ecosystems (forest, prairie, riparian, lake), and biotic and abiotic relationships a must.
Experience teaching and facilitating students of all age levels, with focus on elementary- aged and family programming.
Ability to provide hands-on educational opportunities teaching the value of both community and the environment.
Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
Facilitation experience in camp or school system.
Must be self-motivated and work productively with limited supervision.
Must be reliable and punctual.
Must have the ability to follow oral and written direction and to communicate effectively with the public, volunteers, and other employees through oral and written methods.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and record data in reports, spreadsheets, graphs, photographs, and diagrams.
CPR and First Aid Certified or ability to become certified within three months of hire.
Valid Indiana driver’s license with good driving record.

Responsibility

Employee is responsible for providing educational opportunities to the community. Develops environmental education programs appropriate for multiple age levels, from preschool to adult, and provides accompanying Indiana State Education Standards for the appropriate subject areas, primarily science and math.

Physical Effort

Must be in good physical condition. Moderate to strenuous physical effort is exerted by the incumbent in the field and on trails. Ability to hike and work in moderately difficult terrain for extended periods. Incumbent must be physically capable of lifting weights in excess of 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

Employee performs duties in and out of doors, in varying weather conditions, and is periodically exposed to hazards in relatively remote work sites. Safety precautions used at all times to avoid injury. Flexible schedule with some remote work days.

Hours

Hours vary with season and program offerings. 10-35 hours per week.Tuesday and Thursday availability is required in April, September, and October. Some weekends required.

Salary

Starting at $19.85 per hour.

Applicants for this position are subject to a criminal history background check. Direct deposit is a required condition of employment.

How to Apply

Anyone wishing to apply for this position must send a resume and cover letter to:

Bloomington Parks and Recreation
401 N. Morton St. Ste. 250
Bloomington, IN 47404

Resumes may be dropped off at the reception desk in the atrium inside

City Hall
401 N. Morton St.
Bloomington, IN 47404

during business hours between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Resumes may also be mailed to

Bloomington Parks and Recreation
PO Box 848
Bloomington, IN 47402

or sent by email to Bloomington Parks and Recreation. If submitting application materials via email, please include the title of the position and the applicant's name in the subject line.

Applications accepted until March 1, 2026.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
La Igualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley.

The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, veteran status, housing status, and disability status in employment or the provision of services.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using eVerify. The City will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with the information from each new employee's I-9 form to confirm work authorization.