Environmental Educator (part-time) Wilkerson Nature Preserve

City of Raleigh North Carolina; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Raleigh North Carolina is seeking a Part-time Nature Preserve Assistant to greet visitors, share knowledge of local flora and fauna, and lead educational programs. This role supports environmental education and public engagement in the Nature Preserve area.

You will create instructional materials, help with trail and garden maintenance, supervise volunteers, and participate in safety and emergency readiness while working in a beautiful North Raleigh setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
• Experience in environmental education or public programming is encouraged.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences and to work outdoors.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and walk over rough terrain.

Responsibilities

• Greet Nature Preserve visitors and answer questions about flora, fauna and geology.
• Plan and lead environmental education programs for groups and the public.
• Create instructional materials such as signs and displays.
• Maintain nature play areas, trails and gardens; assist with resource management.
• Open/close the Nature Preserve and supervise volunteers.
• Participate in park emergency response and address safety concerns.
• Perform maintenance and custodial duties.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public speaking

Education

High school diploma

Environmental education training

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Publisher

Job description

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is

"Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences."

The PRCR Department plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City. With nearly 10,000 acres of land, 220 parks, and 120 miles of greenway trails, the Department provides a wide range of facilities, amenities, and programs that support the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of citizens. The Department is guided by a comprehensive 20- year System Plan that identifies the overall vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People. The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is seeking candidates that align with the City's values, is team-oriented and a leader with passion and vision for parks and serving the community.

• Duties of this position include greeting Nature Preserve visitors; interpreting preserve flora, fauna and geology from the park office and on trails; developing and leading nature programs for groups and the general public; creating and maintaining educational materials and displays; and performing light resource management tasks.
• Provide excellent customer service when greeting Nature Preserve visitors, answering questions and communicating preserve rules.
• Plan, organize and instruct environmental education programs for the general public.
• Create instructional materials including signs, posters and displays.
• Assist with natural resource management.
• Maintain nature play areas, trails, gardens, bird feeders, nest boxes and possibly other animal care duties.
• Open and/or close the Nature Preserve.
• Supervise volunteers and lead volunteer projects.
• Serve as part of park emergency response team and attend or alert management to safety concerns.
• Perform maintenance and custodial duties.

Candidate must be at least 18 years of age.

A high school degree is required; additional training (such as college degree or enrollment in a degree-seeking program) in environmental education, environment science or related area is strongly preferred.

A working knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher are also needed for this position. The candidate should be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and walk at least one mile over rough terrain regularly.

Ideal candidate must have a strong desire to share knowledge and enthusiasm about the natural world, and a willingness to work with visitors of all ages and background.

The candidate should possess excellent verbal and written skills and be comfortable leading nature programs for children and adults.

The candidate should be organized, responsible, reliable, independent and flexible. A pleasant attitude and dedication to customer service are a must.

This is a part-time position offering up to 999 hours per year. This position is ideal for individuals desiring to gain job experience in environmental education while working in a beautiful Nature Preserve in the North Raleigh area.

Nature Preserve hours are 10am - 7:30pm in spring, closes later in summer, and earlier in winter months. Ability to work weekend days (either Saturday, or Sunday afternoon) is required. Preserve is closed on Mondays. Some work on Holiday days is possible. Exact work schedule can be adjusted to accommodate anticipated employee needs, such as college class schedules.