Company
Abington Township
Location
Abington, PA
Close Date
01/31/2025
Details
Department: Briar Bush Nature Center
Position: Senior Naturalist
Reports to: Director, Briar Bush Nature Center
Supervises: Part-time personnel and Volunteers
Classification: FLSA – FT Exempt
Purpose: The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional work teaching classes and
managing flora, fauna, and facilities at the Briar Bush Nature Center; does related work as required.
Work is performed under regular supervision. Supervision is exercised over part-time personnel and
volunteers.
Tasks: Manages flora and fauna for the optimal balance of use and conservation; oversees the safety and
maintenance of the Center’s built structures and grounds; reports specialized maintenance needs to the
Parks Department director and maintenance staff; oversees contracted services for maintenance and
capital projects, including organizing quotes, bids, contracts and other documentation, in cooperation
with other township departments; develops and teaches natural history classes for various groups;
Responds to the public to answer nature-related questions via phone, electronic communication, and in-
person; cooperates and advises on environmental matters within the Parks Department and with other
township officials and volunteers; Trains and supervises maintenance volunteers at Briar Bush; maintains
records and files; assists in researching and writing grant proposals associated with grounds and
facilities; Participates in longer term property planning and visioning; performs related tasks as required.
Job Standards (Minimum qualifications needed to perform essential functions): Thorough knowledge
of native and invasive exotic flora and fauna and management practices thereof, knowledge of horticulture
practice including tree/shrub planting and care; knowledge of teaching methods and techniques;
knowledge of biological/ecological processes and local environmental issues, and ability to interpret this
knowledge to a wide audience including children, families, adults, senior citizens, and individuals with
special needs; ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates; ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships with community partner, associates, volunteers, program participants and
the general public; ability to prepare technical reports; ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally
and in writing. Knowledge and experience in facilities maintenance.
This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force
frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing,
stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal
communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and
conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is
required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information
through oral communications and/or to make fine distinction in sound frequently; visual acuity is
required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data,
visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, operation of motor
vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general
surroundings and activities frequently; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental
conditions, and atmospheric conditions.
Equipment: Ability to safely and effectively operate general maintenance and landscaping hand tools (such
as a hammer and weed wrench) and power tools (such as a chainsaw.) Ability to drive a utility vehicle.
Ability to operate general office equipment.
Education: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited
college or university with major course work in natural resources, land management, environmental
education or related field.
Location: Briar Bush Nature Center, Abington, PA
Special Requirements: Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. Ability to pass background checks that allow work with children.
Applications are available online at www.abingtonpa.gov/jobapplication. For additional information,
please contact Briar Bush Nature Center Director, Mark Fallon at 267-422-3727. Abington Township is
an Equal Opportunity Employer.
External Link
Contact Name
Mark Fallon