Outdoor Educator (Part-Time/Limited Benefit)

miOttawa.org; West Olive (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Ottawa County Parks in West Olive, MI seeks a part-time, seasonal Nature Education Assistant to plan and lead outdoor education, natural history, and cultural history programs at the Nature Education Center. The role includes greeting visitors, guiding orientations, monitoring attendance, and assisting with sales and information.

You will supervise volunteers, arrange supplies, maintain inventories, and ensure safety according to county policies.

Qualifications

• Plans and conducts outdoor education and recreational programs.
• Greeting, orienting, monitoring, and assisting visitors at the Nature Center.
• Supervise volunteers and maintain attendance records.
• Ensure safety and report incidents per county policies.
• Assist with procurement and maintenance of supplies and equipment.
• Flexible work hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead environmental education activities for all ages.
• Lead reception duties and provide visitor guidance.
• Manage volunteers and evaluate program success.
• Maintain program records and attendance.
• Coordinate supplies and equipment.
• Work in varied outdoor and indoor settings year-round.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Leadership

Curriculum planning

Group management

Bilingual (Spanish preferred)

Computer skills (Google apps, slides)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Environmental education experience preferred

Tools

Google apps

Slide software

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.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.

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.

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.