(Part Time) Interpreter

Huron-Clinton Metroparks; Harrison Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 24,195 - 28,200; Part time

Job summary

Huron-Clinton Metroparks seeks a year-round, part-time Interpreter to present interpretive programs to school groups, families, and the public, sharing Southeast Michigan's natural and cultural history. You will help plan talks, deliver presentations, and promote public interest in park resources.

Under supervision, you’ll work independently on diverse duties, potentially in other parks, with evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, natural resources management, or related field; a bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in interpretation, education, or related field is preferred.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or ability to obtain within one year of hire and maintain thereafter.
• Ability to learn and apply principles used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Ability to design science education programs that support NGSS and Michigan Science Standards.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative relationships with educational groups, park visitors, and other employees.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and implement new initiatives.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate tours, lead programs and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and delivery of interpretive presentations to students, families, and the general public.
• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through lectures and publicity.
• Work varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, any time of day, and any weather conditions.
• Register groups for programs, create invoices, prepare and send correspondence, and arrange logistics.
• Greet visitors, answer questions, provide information on park activities and facilities.
• Maintain indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animals and trails.
• Assist with special events.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

CIG certification

Adaptability

Curriculum design

Collaboration

Creativity

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree in nature interpretation or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Carpenter tools

Gardening tools

Farming tools

Artistic tools

Job description

Pay Rate

PAY RATE: $16.17 - $18.80 per hour DOQ (up to 1,500 hours per year).
Eligible part‑time employees may receive up to a $5.75 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Interpreter

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the direction of the District Interpretive Services Supervisor or the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor, this year‑round, part‑time Interpreter position seeks to present a variety of interpretive programs to school groups of all levels, families, community groups, and other members of the public, to share the rich natural and cultural history of Southeast Michigan at the Huron–Clinton Metroparks. Work responsibilities include assisting in planning and preparing talks, presenting talks and demonstrations, and promoting public interest in the appreciation of natural, historical and cultural resources. This position performs a variety of professional and technical duties related to interpretive programs and operation of nature centers, farms, and museums for the assigned district.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of either the District Interpretive Services Supervisor or the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. The position works independently and exercises judgment and discretion in completing duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist in the development and delivery of interpretive presentations to students, families, summer camps, and the general public.
• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through illustrated lectures and dissemination of pertinent publicity.
• Work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, any time of day, and any weather conditions.
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics.
• Greet visitors, answer questions and phone calls, and provide general information on park activities and facilities.
• Maintain indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed.
• Assist with special events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, natural resources management, or a related field; a bachelor's degree is preferred. Applicants with 4 or more years of related service may receive credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements.
• Experience in interpretation, education, or a related field is preferred.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to obtain a CIG certification within one year of hire and maintain thereafter.
• Ability to learn and apply the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Ability to design science education programs that support NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors, and other employees.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and implement new initiatives.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
• Ability to use carpenter, gardening, farming, and artistic tools.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and to traverse sandy, marshy and wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed.
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer (including database, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and word processing software); calculator; copy & fax machines; phone; GPS unit; radios; automobile; and heavy farm equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employees frequently walk, sit, talk and hear. They regularly use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching is required, and employees may occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees typically perform work inside, but may also work outdoors in weather conditions including heat, rain, and snow.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Selection may include formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interviews, reference checks, job‑related tests, psychological examination, and medical examination including drug screening.

This job description is intended as a general summary of responsibilities and qualifications; additional duties may be assigned consistent with the role.