Outdoor Educator (Part-Time/Limited Benefit)

Ottawa County; West Olive (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Limited benefits

Job summary

Ottawa County Parks is seeking a part-time, seasonal nature education staff member at the Hemlock Crossing Nature Education Center in West Olive, MI. The role involves planning and delivering outdoor education programs, greeting visitors, and coordinating volunteers while maintaining attendance records and inventory.

Flex hours and weekend availability are common, with safety and inclusivity emphasized. Applicants should have experience with children in outdoors settings and may benefit from

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in outdoor settings (nature center, camp, school).
• HS diploma or GED; environmental education experience preferred.
• Spanish or other languages ability is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead environmental education programs for all ages.
• Greet and assist visitors at the Nature Center and reception desk.
• Assist with coordinating volunteers, directing tasks and evaluations.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and assist in program evaluation.
• Procure supplies and manage inventory in accordance with County policies.
• Ensure safety and report incidents following procedures.

Skills

Outdoor education

Spanish language

Communication skills

First aid awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Google Apps

Google Slides

Job description

Job Description

Under the general supervision of the Coordinator of Community Engagement, plans and conducts outdoor education, natural history and cultural history, and recreational programs throughout the parks system. May be responsible for managing visitors in the Nature Center including greeting, orientation, monitoring, and sales. This position is seasonal and part-time.

The Ottawa County Parks serve a diverse group of residents and visitors and employs great effort to provide equitable access to parks, programs, and activities. We are committed to an inclusive workforce that represents the many different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints that are a valuable part of our community. It is our goal that every employee and volunteer feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work.

This is a part-time, limited benefited position working out of the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park. The park is located at 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive, MI 49460. Work hours are flexible. The Nature Center is open Monday-Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm - 5pm. Programs are offered every day of the week, often on weekends and frequently during the evenings.

Essential Job Functions

• Prepares for, develops, conducts and leads a variety of environmental education programs and activities for people of all ages, including organized groups (schools, scouts, etc.) and the general public. This includes program planning, preparation and clean-up.
• Assists in keeping the Nature Center clean, organized and functional.
• Assists in the direction of volunteers, including assigning and directing work, monitoring and motivating volunteers, and providing input for evaluation.
• Ensures all participants are registered and maintain accurate attendance records. Assists in evaluating program success and make recommendations. Assists others in planning, organizing and implementing curriculum.
• Will work the reception desk including greeting, orienting and monitoring visitors and providing assistance over the phone.
• Arranges for the purchase of supplies, coordinating expenditures with County Policies. Assists with the procurement, distribution, care, use and maintenance of equipment and supplies. Maintains supply and equipment inventories.
• Ensures the safety of program participants, co-workers and the general public by following county policies. If necessary, provides first aid. Reports all incident/accidents to the Supervisor immediately. Completes and submits appropriate accident/incident records and forms.
• Performs other related functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Experience working with children and others in an outdoor setting (nature center, camp, school, etc.). High school diploma or GED and specialized experience in environmental education, early childhood development or a related field is preferred. Experience with program planning, development and presentation preferred.

Ability to communicate in Spanish or other languages is strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn the flora, fauna and ecology of west Michigan.
• Excellent verbal communication skills required. Ability to speak effectively to a variety of groups.
• Basic principles, practices and rules related to assigned area of instruction.
• Basic principles and practices of planning and implementing a nature-based program.
• Basic principles and practices of group dynamics and group interactions.
• Basic principles and practices of leadership and group organization.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills, including using Google and its applications and slide show software.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with other Parks and Recreation staff, children and the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with widely divergent communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess sufficient mobility with or without assistive devices to access and lead groups through all natural features, structures and facilities in parks. The features include dune stairs and other areas that are somewhat strenuous.
• Must possess sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to identify park features, flora and fauna.
• Must have sufficient vocal ability to deliver verbal presentations to park patrons and various groups.
• Ability to lead groups year-round in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to travel to various sites throughout the County.

Working Conditions

Work is generally divided between a normal office environment and the outdoor environments of the County parks. There is frequent exposure to inclement weather and airborne particulates. Must have ability to hike up to five miles over uneven terrain, with or without assistive devices. Must be willing and able to work occasional weekend and evening shifts in order to accommodate scheduled park programs.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position has limited benefits; only those required under law. Employees in this group do not receive benefits such as holiday pay, vacation, insurance (medical, dental, vision, life), bereavement or any other benefit unless required by law.

The current Limited Benefit Group manual can be viewed here.