Outdoor Educator – Part Time

Opportunities with Wheaton Park District; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Wheaton Park District is seeking an Outdoor Education program facilitator to prepare and present programs at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area and traveling outreach sites. The role involves field delivery, equipment management, and strong safety practices.

Responsibilities include coordinating with sites, maintaining records, and providing excellent customer service to participants and partners. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Preference for progress toward a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation, or Education.
• Experience presenting to diverse audiences and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present outdoor education programs on science, nature, and team-building.
• Maintain and inventory program equipment and supplies.
• Supervise participants and enforce rules and safety protocols.
• Record attendance, logs, and pre/post reports; coordinate with sites.
• Transport equipment to program sites; communicate with staff and participants.
• Administer site-specific first aid/CPR and ensure safety throughout.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical

Organizational

Interpersonal

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma

Progress toward bachelor's degree

Job description

Deadline Open until filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Responsible for the preparation and presentation of outdoor education programs at the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area and traveling outreach programs

REQUIRED EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Progress towards a bachelors degree with a preference in Environmental Science Outdoor Education Recreation or other Education field preferred
• Experience and knowledge presenting programs to diverse audiences ranging in age from 18 months through adults in classroom andor informal settings preferred
• A working knowledge of parks and recreation field as well as local flora and fauna preferred
• Must have great problem solving analytical organizational interpersonal; written and verbal communication skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepare and present outdoor education programs that include but are not limited to topics such as science nature team building and other programs as assigned
• Maintain organize and inventory program equipment
• Supervise and enforce rules and regulations with program participants
• Record and maintain program attendance rosters inspection logs and pre and post reports
• Report repairs and maintenance needs of program areas equipment and grounds in a timely manner
• Transport equipment and travel to program sites at various institutions and facilities
• Effectively communicate with supervisors coworkers and program participants in a timely manner
• Administer site specific first aid and CPR procedures
• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures
• Provide a high quality of customer service in a professional manner to the internal customer that will facilitate team building and exceptional customer service to the external customer
• Follow the Lincoln Marsh and Wheaton Park District policies procedures and guidelines
• Proactively support the District Mission Vision and Values

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS LICENSES ETC

• Must have and maintain valid drivers license with acceptable driving record; and CPRAED certified or obtain within 90 days employment
• Be a mandated reporter for the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act
• Must meet the requirements for site specific challenge course certifications training provided

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position for long periods while presenting programs indoors and outdoors; frequently move about the building and on natural uneven ground This position must also be able to position ones self to interact with participants and occasionally grasp and handle small animals This position will frequently move objects such as water buckets program bins supplies for program activities or events etc weighing up to 30lbs and rarely up to 50lbs and over 50lbs with assistance This position will occasionally climb stairs ladder and occasionally bend crouch kneel reach stoop twist crawl

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Must be able to occasionally work in an office environment with moderate noise level and lighting and frequently work outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions bitingstinging bugs and insects dirt poisonous plants heights up to 50 feet wet slippery surfaces and uneven natural ground; occasionally exposed to odors dust mold mud; and rarely exposed to pesticides chemicals smoke animal hair dander and feces; and frequently handle animals such as fish amphibians reptiles and invertebrates

HOURS

0 28 hours per week dependent on program schedule potential for some weekends and evenings

SALARY

1700 1900 DOE SALARY RANGE Minimum Midpoint Maximum 1500 1875 2250

The Wheaton Park District is an equal opportunity employer EOEMFDV