(Part Time) Interpreter

Huron–Clinton Metroparks; Harrison Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

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

Under supervision, you will develop talks, register groups, greet visitors, handle inquiries, and assist with events.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources management or a related field; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience in interpretation, education or a related field preferred.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification or ability to obtain within one year.
• Ability to learn principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Ability to design science education programs that support NGSS and Michigan standards.
• Ability to promote cooperative relationships with educational groups, park visitors and 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.
• Ability to traverse sandy, marshy and wooded areas.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license.
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts.
• May adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and delivery of interpretive presentations to students, families, and the public.
• Promote public interest and participation through talks, lectures, and publicity.
• Work varied schedule, weekends, holidays, and different weather.
• Register groups, create invoices, prepare correspondence, arrange visit logistics.
• Greet visitors, answer questions and provide information on park activities.
• Maintain indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, assist with special events.

Skills

Interpretation experience

Education or related field

CIG certification within 1 year

Plan and deliver interpretive programs

Public speaking and tours

Program design for NGSS/Michigan

Collaboration with educational groups

Creativity and new initiatives

Following instructions (oral & written

Weather and outdoor work adaptability

Valid Michigan driver’s license

Schedule flexibility including nights/

General duties of interpretive staff

Education

Associate degree in nature interpretation or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database

GPS unit

Job description

Pay Rate: $16.17 - $18.80 per hour DOQ (up to 1,500 hours per year). Eligible part-time employees will receive up to a $5.75 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For details click here.

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 in this position involve assisting in planning and preparing talks. Presenting talks, 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 assigned district.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of either the District Interpretive Services Supervisor or the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completion of 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 tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity.
• Work a varied schedule, work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, am or pm shifts, and in any type of weather.
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send out correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics.
• Greet visitors, answer questions and phone calls, and provide general information on park activities and facilities.
• Maintenance of indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed.
• May assist with special events.

Minimum Qualifications

Interpreter – Level P3:

• Associate degree in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources management or a related field, Bachelors preferred. Applicants with 4 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
• Experience in interpretation, education or a related field 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 the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Ability to design science education programs that support the 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 the ability to 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.
• Ability 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 and if necessary.
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & 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

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee generally performs work in an inside environment. Occasionally, the employee will be required to work in an outdoor environment, where weather conditions include heat, rain, and snow.

Selection Guidelines

Selection process may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following: formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interviews, reference check, job related tests, psychological exam, and physical exam to include drug screening.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employee and Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority and is subject to change by HCMA based on the needs and requirements of the organization.