Part-time Interpreter

Chippewa Nature Center; Shelby Township (MI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

Stony Creek Metropark is seeking a part-time, year-round Interpreter to present interpretive programs to students, families, and the public, at the Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center in Southeast Michigan.

You will plan and deliver talks, demonstrations, and programs, greet visitors, and handle logistics for groups while promoting natural and cultural history education. Flexibility for weekends and varying shifts is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or related field; Bachelor's preferred.
• Experience in interpretation, education or related field preferred.
• CIG certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop, conduct and enhance interpretive presentations to students, families, and the general public.
• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs.
• Maintain schedules, register groups, issue invoices, and handle logistics for visits.
• Greet visitors and provide information on park activities and facilities.
• Maintain indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including animal enclosures and trails.
• Prepare reports and paperwork; assist with special events.

Skills

Public speaking

Education planning

Interpersonal skills

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree in nature interpretation or related field

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

GPS unit

Job description

Do you love to be outdoors, connecting people of all ages to the natural world? Interested in animal care for Michigan reptiles and amphibians? Do you want to be a part of team and participate in a wide variety of professional development opportunities to grow your natural and cultural history knowledge and interpretation skills? Join the team of interpreters at Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center!

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 planning, preparing, and 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

• Develop, conduct and enhance 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.
• Create and maintain necessary reports and paperwork.
• May assist with special events

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The list above is intended to describe the general nature of duties only.

• 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.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Knowledge of and ability to design science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• 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 data base, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, power point, 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.