Nature Instructor

Frederick County Government, Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Frederick County Government seeks a part-time Nature Center Presenter to deliver educational programs at Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center. You will conduct birthday events, present nature-themed activities, greet visitors, and help with records and safety during evenings and weekends.

Qualifications include 18+ years, 6 months related experience or teaching background, and First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within 60 days. Transportation may be needed; benefits are not included.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 years.
• 6 months (2 summer seasons) related experience or teaching/educational background.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or able to obtain within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nature-themed birthday parties and host the nature center on weekends.
• Present nature education and craft programs in evenings and weekends.
• Greet and converse with the public visiting the nature centers.
• Maintain attendance, receipts, and other records.
• Supervise facilities during programs; keep them safe and appealing.
• Report maintenance needs to the Park Naturalist.
• Develop knowledge to respond to inquiries about natural features and history.
• Assist with marketing of nature centers to the public.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Group leadership

Public speaking

Record keeping

Interpersonal communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

JOB INFORMATION

The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation is committed to the highest level of care of our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks & recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County.

The Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life of county residents by providing innovative activities and programs that meet the recreational needs of Frederick County communities. We encourage participation in a variety of recreational opportunities that foster enjoyment and lifelong learning.

http://www.recreater.com/

Non-exempt; part-time year-round position; with the availability for working evenings between the hours of 2 pm to 9 pm and weekends between 9am to 9pm; no benefits.

This person will present educational programs and weekend birthday parties to various groups visiting Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center (e.g. families, school groups, scout troops, pre-school groups, garden clubs, etc.). Assigned hours will include weekend/evening hours and events at the Nature Center. Direction may be given to volunteer staff; supervision is received from the Park Naturalist.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.

Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities

• Conduct nature-themed birthday parties as well as hosting the nature center on weekends
• Present nature education programs and nature craft programs in the evenings and on weekends. Themes may include animals, plant identification, hikes, geology programs and other nature related topics
• Greet and converse with the public as they visit the nature centers
• Maintain accurate attendance, daily receipt records, and other facility/program record-keeping
• Supervise the nature center facilities during program hours; keep the facilities safe, clean, and appealing to the public
• Report and communicate with Park Naturalist any facility maintenance found necessary
• Develop natural and historic knowledge of each nature center, in order to effectively respond to inquiries from visitors and others concerning natural features and cultural history in the park area
• Assist with marketing of nature centers to the public
• Perform other related duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Minimum age 18 years
• Minimum 6 months (2 summer seasons) work experience related to nature and/or environmental activities/studies - OR - educational background related to teaching and/or environmental studies
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR (infant/child and adult), or able to become so certified within 60 days of hire (current certifications must be maintained throughout employment)

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to enthusiastically and effectively lead and supervise groups of children in indoor and outdoor activities
• Ability to handle nature center animals, including snakes, amphibians, and insects; or willingness to learn handling techniques
• Desire and enthusiasm to work with children and various nature center animals
• Ability to effectively organize, plan and implement nature activities as well as day-to-day assignments, determine priorities and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively evaluate emergencies and unexpected situations and promptly respond in an appropriate manner
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to accurately complete record-keeping duties, and the ability to effectively present programs to any age group (with special aptitude for lively presentations of interest to children)
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, children and their family members, and the general public

Preference May Be Given For

• Experience leading programs on environmental/nature-based topics

Additional Information / Examination Process

• Ability to provide own transportation as needed
• Ability and willingness to participate in program planning

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include)

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• A pre-employment background investigation

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to [e-mail]

Position is not eligible to receive benefits with exception to the 457 Plan as listed below.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement now and pay taxes later by contributing a portion of their salaries pre-tax to the plan. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.