Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission “To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio’s people.

ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for an intermittent (limited to 1000 hours/fiscal year) Naturalist Aide within the Division of Parks & Watercraft, headquartered at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park located in Auglaize county. The address is 834 Edgewater Drive, St. Marys, Ohio 45885. To learn more about the Division of Parks & Watercraft please visit Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.

What you will do…

• Research, develop & plan interpretive & recreational programs;


• Assist groups, clubs & schools with park projects;


• Plan & coordinate special events (e.g., workshops, community festivals);


• Assist with maintaining trails, nature center & park office;


• Perform public relations & marketing activities.

This intermittent position:

• is limited to 1000 hours in a fiscal year;


• will remain at step 1 of the pay range;


• is not eligible for benefits (e.g., vision, dental, life, health insurance, holiday pay, leave accruals (vacation, personal, sick), any other paid leave, shift differential, pay supplements, etc.);


• serves in the unclassified service pursuant to ORC 124.11 (A)(29) and, as such, serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

What’s in it for you…

The State of Ohio offers an excellent benefits package which includes extensive medical, dental and vision insurance. At least a 14% employer contribution into your OPERS pension plan, Employee Tuition reimbursement program and much more.  To view all the benefits offered, please visit Total Rewards . 

We are ready for you!

We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!  Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!

Official Position Description:

Under general supervision researches, develops, and plans interpretive & recreational programs (e.g., nature walks, night hikes, & presentations for general public/special interest groups, tours) about Ohio’s natural, historical & cultural heritage; answers questions for public as related to interpretive programs & nature/visitor center;  interprets park regulations & takes proper safety precautions to lead youths & adults on excursions into park; plans & coordinates special events (e.g., workshops, fall campouts); assists scout groups, schools & clubs with park projects (e.g., trail development, habitat improvement projects); teaches fishing, archery, & paddling classes (e.g., canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard) according to approved division curriculum & with attention to laws & proper safety precautions; assists with the development & maintenance of displays & exhibits; assists with organizing & preparing brochures, interpretive park signs, & promotional publications; assists with volunteers related to educational programs; provides background information for purchases of equipment & material & assists with education-related inventory; tracks attendance for grant purposes.

May be responsible for daily care of live animals used in programs (e.g., feed animals, keeps cages & equipment clean & in working order); complies with state & federal housing & care requirements; provides for the health & safety of animals; consults with veterinarian when necessary; ensures park compliance with Division of Wildlife permits; notifies supervisor of issues.

Performs public relations/marketing activities & assists with statewide events, exhibits & shows (e.g., boat shows, state fair, trade shows); responds to inquiries about programs; makes media appearances promoting state parks & park activities; participates in events statewide (e.g., festivals & state fair); assists in the development of outreach materials; works with division program manager on state-wide programming initiatives including but not limited to educational videos and live webinars for public use.

Assists in maintaining trails (e.g., picks up litter, removes fallen debris, reports hazards); maintains nature center, office space (e.g., empties trash, vacuums); maintains equipment used in programming (e.g., makes minor repairs such as filters, light bulbs).

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Annual seasonal naturalist training session.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Works outside exposed to weather, venomous reptiles or infectious animal bites & scratches; must be able to provide own transportation.

1 course or 3 mos. exp. in biology; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in botany; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in zoology; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in outdoor safety practices; 1 course or 3 mos. exp. in public relations.

-Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Salary: $9.00