Natural Areas Instructor (Part-Time)

Downers Grove Park District; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free fitness center membership

CPR/First Aid Certification Training

District discounts

Job summary

Downers Grove Park District in Downers Grove, IL, seeks a Natural Areas Instructor (Part-Time) to lead programs at the Sherman Interpretive Center and other parks. The role involves teaching topics like wetland ecology, night hikes, and forest ecology to diverse groups, with hours on weekdays and weekends.

This position is not seasonal. Responsibilities include engaging audiences, adapting instruction for all ages, preparing materials, and ensuring safety while guiding outdoor activities.

Qualifications

• 17 years olf? (note: must be present in HTML)

Responsibilities

• Engages and interacts with program audiences.
• Interprets outlines and communicates in a manner appropriate for the program audience.
• Provide a safe and nurturing experience for all students.
• Assist with implementation of daily activities that are age appropriate and designed for student growth.
• Uses a range of teaching approaches and adapts instruction to include all children.
• Assist with preparation of materials for class projects and activities.
• Staffs the Interpretive Center reception desk when needed.
• Attends staff meetings, trainings and special events as scheduled by the Recreation Supervisor.
• Enforces and follows Park District’s safety policies, to ensure environment and participants are safe.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor education

Public speaking / instruction

Interpersonal communication

Job description

Position: Natural Areas Instructor (Part-Time)

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Job Id:407

# of Openings:1

The Natural Areas Instructor leads programs at the William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center at Lyman Woods and various other Downers Grove Park District Parks. Programs can include teaching audiences such as: school groups, birthday parties, scouts, day camps and school break camps, early childhood, adults, and families. Program topics may include: wetland ecology, night hikes, animal adaptations, geology, outdoor skills and forest ecology. This is a part-time position with hours available on weekdays and weekends. This is not a seasonal position.

Pay rate: $16 - $17 per hour

Additional Benefits

• Free membership to the 4500 Fitness Center
• Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification Training
• Various District Discounts

Essential Functions

• Engages and interacts with program audiences.
• Interprets outlines and communicates in a manner that is appropriate for the program audience.
• Provide a safe and nurturing experience for all students.
• Assist with implementation of daily activities that are age appropriate and designed for student growth.
• Uses a range of teaching approaches and adapts instruction to include all children.
• Assist with preparation of materials for class project and activities.
• Staffs the Interpretive Center reception desk when needed.
• Attends staff meetings, trainings and special events as scheduled by the Recreation Supervisor.
• Enforces and follow Park District’s safety policies, to ensure environment and participants are safe
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum age - 16 years old
• Interest in working in outdoor education
• 1+ years teaching/education experience in formal or informal education preferred
• Must exhibit: problem-solving abilities, adaptability, good judgment and safety awareness
• Must possess good communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with co-workers and the general public
• CPR, First Aid and AED certification or a willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of employment; the Park District provides training

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including precipitation, poison ivy and stinging or biting insects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee may be frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee may be required to lift up to 30 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Downers Grove Park District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.