Natural Scientist Assistant - job 1 of 2

The Natural Scientist Assistant at the City of Fort Worth has a dynamic work role focused on wildlife conservation, habitat management, and visitor engagement. Responsibilities include monitoring and protecting native species like bison and prairie dogs, assisting in ecological restoration projects through various land management techniques, maintaining park infrastructure and facilities, and leading overnight camping experiences for park visitors. Working alongside the staff on special projects and volunteer initiatives is also a key part of this role, making it both impactful and rewarding.

To apply for the Natural Scientist Assistant position with the City of Fort Worth, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, along with at least 16 credit hours in natural or physical sciences, such as biology or environmental science. While direct experience is not required, being currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant college or university program is preferred. This position is a fantastic opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in natural resource management.

The Natural Scientist Assistant position is designed as a seasonal role that allows for up to 40 hours of work per week, ideal for those looking to dive into hands-on conservation efforts. The schedule may include weekends, evenings, and holidays to meet the diverse needs of park visitors and wildlife management activities. This flexibility will allow you to experience all facets of park operations while making a direct contribution to the wellbeing of the natural environment.

For the Natural Scientist Assistant role at the City of Fort Worth, skills in equipment maintenance, land management techniques, and knowledge of wildlife conservation are highly advantageous. Proficiency in using power tools, heavy machinery, and hands-on skills such as welding and chainsaw operation are also beneficial. These abilities will not only help in managing the park's infrastructure but will also contribute to the safety and enjoyment of park visitors.

The pay range for the Natural Scientist Assistant position at the City of Fort Worth starts at $18.00 per hour. This competitive hourly wage reflects the critical role that the assistant plays in supporting wildlife conservation efforts and enhancing the visitor experience in the city’s parks and recreation areas.

When answering this question, emphasize your knowledge of local wildlife, conservation techniques, and their importance in maintaining biodiversity. Discuss any relevant courses or experiences that reflect your passion for conservation, and showcase your understanding of how these efforts impact the community.

Provide specific examples of techniques such as prescribed burning, mulching, or seeding that you have learned about or applied. Explain why these methods are effective and how you can adapt them to the various ecosystems within the Fort Worth parks.

Discuss your understanding of safety protocols and the importance of enforcing them while working with wildlife and in public spaces. Mention any personal experiences you've had that required you to assess risks and how you would ensure a safe environment for both you and park visitors.

Highlight any experience you have with leading groups in outdoor activities or educational settings. Discuss your ability to engage participants, assess their needs, and ensure safety, all while making the experience enjoyable and informative.

Illustrate your familiarity with basic maintenance practices for tools and equipment. You could mention performing routine checks, cleaning, and addressing minor repairs to ensure that everything is functional and safe for park use.

Share your passion for nature and conservation, perhaps relating personal anecdotes about outdoor experiences or moments that inspired you. Connect your motivation to the goals of the Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department and how you want to contribute.

Discuss the importance of feedback in personal growth and how you see it as a valuable opportunity for improvement. Mention specific instances where you successfully received feedback and made adjustments as a result.

Demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. You could mention tools or methods you use to keep track of responsibilities, such as list-making or digital planners, and any specific examples where you efficiently handled multiple tasks.

Provide an example of a collaborative project, focusing on your specific contributions and how you helped the team succeed. Highlight your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and adapt to different team roles as needed.

Identify key skills relevant to the position, such as knowledge of wildlife management, ability to work with tools, leadership in outdoor activities, and an eagerness to learn. Relate these skills back to what the City of Fort Worth is looking for in their ideal candidate.