Outdoor Program Coordinator - Burnett Bayland Park

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County’s Outdoor Program Coordinator at Burnett Bayland Park in Houston leads planning and delivery of garden, nature, fitness, and conservation activities for the public. You’ll coordinate schedules, communicate with participants, and collaborate with staff to offer inclusive park programming.

The role emphasizes safety, accessibility, and community outreach, with weekend/evening hours as required. Join a team focused on outdoor stewardship and education.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; related degree preferred.
• Experience leading outdoor classes, workshops, or public-facing activities.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to lead physical outdoor activities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, records, and logistics.
• Basic proficiency with email, scheduling software, and digital tools.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as schedules require.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop, schedule, and deliver outdoor programs tailored to diverse ages and interests.
• Lead on-site programs on gardening, fitness, ecology, wildlife, and conservation.
• Coordinate logistics: materials prep, site setup, safety checks, participant flow.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, email, and online platforms.
• Maintain calendars, registrations, attendance records, waivers, and feedback.
• Collaborate with park staff, volunteers, and partners to expand offerings.
• Monitor safety and ensure activities comply with park policies.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and adjust to improve engagement.
• Assist with marketing: descriptions, photos, social media, outreach.
• Support special events, volunteer projects, and community engagement.
• Represent Precinct 4 with professionalism and reinforce park rules.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Public engagement

Volunteer coordination

Bilingual English/Spanish

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate/Bachelor preferred in recreation or related field

Tools

Email

Scheduling software

Digital communication tools

Job description

Position Description

The Outdoor Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating outdoor recreation programs, classes, and educational activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Programs may include gardening workshops, nature walks, ecology lessons, fitness activities, wildlife education, conservation topics, and other park-based experiences that promote outdoor engagement and stewardship.

Position Description

The Outdoor Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating outdoor recreation programs, classes, and educational activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Programs may include gardening workshops, nature walks, ecology lessons, fitness activities, wildlife education, conservation topics, and other park-based experiences that promote outdoor engagement and stewardship. This role also performs administrative duties related to program scheduling, participant communication, and customer service. The Outdoor Program Coordinator works collaboratively across departments to ensure high-quality, inclusive programming that reflects the park’s mission and serves the diverse needs of the community. This position reports to the Park Foreman.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, schedule, and deliver outdoor programs, classes, workshops, and guided activities tailored to a wide range of ages, abilities, and interests.
• Lead on-site programs covering topics such as gardening, fitness, ecology, wildlife, conservation, park stewardship, and general nature-based education.
• Coordinate logistics for each program, including materials preparation, site setup, safety checks, and participant flow.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding programs (phone, email, online platforms), providing clear, timely, and professional communication.
• Maintain program calendars, registrations, attendance records, waivers, and participant feedback.
• Collaborate with park staff, volunteers, community partners, and subject‑matter experts to expand and enhance offerings.
• Monitor program areas and ensure all activities are conducted safely and in accordance with park policies and best practices.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend adjustments to improve engagement, accessibility, and educational value.
• Assist with marketing efforts such as program descriptions, photos, social media content, and community outreach.
• Support special events, volunteer projects, and community engagement initiatives as needed.
• Represents Precinct 4 with professionalism at all times, including assisting constituents and reinforcing park rules as necessary.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in recreation, environmental education, natural sciences, public programming, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Experience leading classes, workshops, programs, camps, or public‑facing educational activities — especially in outdoor or nature‑based settings.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to lead physical outdoor activities and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, records, and program logistics.
• Basic proficiency with email, scheduling software, and digital communication tools.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as program schedules require.

Licensure

• Valid driver’s license.

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Knowledge of local ecology, conservation practices, gardening, fitness, or other nature‑based recreation topics.
• Experience with public engagement, volunteer coordination, or community outreach.
• Skill in developing creative, educational, and inclusive programming.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Comfort with basic program marketing and outreach (social media posts, flyers, photos).
• Ability to adapt programs based on weather, facility availability, and participant needs.

General Information

Salary

• Dependent on qualifications

Location

• Burnett Bayland Park, 6000 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN

You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward‑looking. Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full‑time continued employment. Vacation, sick‑time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.