Nature Instructor

Frederick County Government; Walkersville (MD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Frederick County Government, through the Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation, seeks a part-time year-round role to present educational programs and host weekend birthday parties at Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center. The candidate will work evenings 2-9 pm and weekends 9 am-9 pm, with supervision from the Park Naturalist and no benefits.

Responsibilities include leading nature-themed programs, greeting visitors, maintaining records, and assisting with marketing.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 years.
• 6 months of related experience or educational background in teaching/environmental studies.
• 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 evenings and weekends.
• Greet visitors and maintain attendance and records.
• Supervise the nature center facilities during program hours; keep facilities safe and clean.
• Assist with marketing of nature centers to the public.
• Develop knowledge to respond to inquiries about natural features and cultural history.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Group leadership

Animal handling

Child engagement

Program planning

Emergency response

English communication

Public speaking

Education

6 months related experience or teaching/environmental studies background

First Aid & CPR certification

Job description

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 9 am to 9 pm; 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.

• 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 facilitymaintenance 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.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• 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:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• 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

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

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. A pre-employment background investigation