Education Naturalist

~ Retzer Nature Center was John and Florence Retzer’s retirement home. John purchased the original 90 acres from the Federal Land Bank in 1938. ~

The Retzer’s immediately began restoring the degraded land with over 26,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers, many obtained from the Wisconsin Conservation Department. These plantings can be enjoyed today. In 1973, Florence Horn Retzer bequeathed her property to Waukesha County for park purposes. Her vision was "to conserve the scenery, natural life and wildlife, leaving the land unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." 

Guided by Mrs. Retzer’s wishes, the Waukesha County Park System began developing a nature center in 1974. Significant land acquisitions in 1980 and 1984 expanded the site to 335 acres. The Nature Center focuses on environmental education, natural land management, community restoration, and wildlife habitat improvement. Today restored prairies, a colorful butterfly and rain garden, and an oak opening demonstration area greet visitors and compliment the Retzer’s original homestead. The Retzer Environmental Learning Center and Charles Z. Horwitz Planetarium addition opened in May of 2005.

Position Overview

Under supervision, to participate in the implementation of the Environmental Education Program at Retzer Nature Center, along with the other Education Naturalist.

Responsibilities

• Give interpretive hikes and programs on ecological themes specific to Southeast Wisconsin, especially the lands at Retzer Nature Center, for school children, scouts and families. Programs are held at Retzer Nature Center, and occasionally at off-site locations (school classrooms, parks, etc).
• Assists in the development of curricula for environmental education activities for pre-school through high school students, as well as general public including children and families.
• Assist in planning and development of new programs and special events.
• Produce and maintain Nature Center exhibits and displays, some of which include live animals.
• Participate in training, scheduling, and administration of Volunteer Naturalists.
• Participate in program scheduling.
• Participate in trail monitoring.
• Maintain education supplies/equipment.
• Participate in newsletter and flyer production, promotional mailings, and special promotional and fund-raising projects and events (e.g. Apple Harvest Festival, Earth Week).
• Work a flexible schedule depending on program needs, 10-30 hours per week, including occasional required weekends and evenings.  Total number of budgeted hours for this position for 2018 is approximately 832 hours, averaging approximately 16 hours per week.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Essential Knowledge and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of ecology and natural history specific to Southeast Wisconsin landscape, including plant materials, ground cover, trees, shrubs, and animal species.
• Working knowledge of environmental education principles and practices, including knowledge of the writings and philosophy of Aldo Leopold.
• Ability to plan, develop and present environmental education programs.
• Ability to write/design/lay-out brochures, newsletters, and other promotional materials.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and direct work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, interested groups, and general public.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, yet also under direct supervision at times.
• Ability to manage various office tasks associated with running the Education Programs.
• Working knowledge of computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Publisher).
• Personal attitude of continued advancement of knowledge of the land, and how to teach children about the land.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree required from a recognized college or university with major courses in environment education, botany, zoology, forestry, natural resources management, or closely related field.
• Experience with nature interpretation an environmental education for children (pre-school to high school age).