Program Specialist / Naturalist

GEORGIA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION INC; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

GEORGIA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION INC is seeking a program supervisor to plan, develop, supervise and evaluate various Leisure Services Department programs. Responsibilities include organizing, implementing, evaluating, and training staff; setting goals; promoting programs; and coordinating publicity while maintaining safety across facilities.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, a valid driver's license, and certifications (Project WET/WILD, Learning Tree,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation, education, forestry or related field with 1 year related work experience.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and obtain project-specific certifications within 12 months.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within 6 months; FEMA NIMS training required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, supervise and evaluate Leisure Services Department programs and events.
• Supervise and train assigned staff; prepare long- and short-term goals.
• Coordinate publicity, promotions and facility scheduling; ensure safety in programs.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in outdoor recreation / related field

Project WET, WILD, Learning Tree Facilitator Certification

Adopt-A-Stream Certification

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

FEMA NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800 training

Valid driver's license

Six-month probationary period completion

Job description

Reports to:

Facility or Program Supervisor

FLSA Status:

Exempt - Executive

Classification:

Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

Pay Grade:

117 -- $54,569.00 Annually

Safety Sensitive:

No

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to plan, develop, supervise, and evaluate various Leisure Services Department programs. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to program planning, organizing, implementation and evaluation; supervising and training assigned employees; preparing long and short-term goals, instructing classes, ensuring safety in programs and facilities; creating and coordinating program publicity and promotion; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements

Work Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Regular evening and weekend work expected to meet programs, meetings, and event needs. May be required to work on religious holidays. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Must work cooperatively with others. When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Bachelor's Degree in course of study related to outdoor recreation, education, environmental education, forestry, wildlife, anthropology, geology, natural sciences, or related field; with one year of related work experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the job.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Must have or obtain within 12 months of hire the Project WET, WILD, and Learning Tree Facilitator Certification and the Adopt-A-Stream Chemical and Macroinvertebrate Certification.

Must be certified in First Aid/CPR/AED or have ability to attain within 6 months of employment.

Must have or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire FEMA’s NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 level training and maintain these trainings throughout employment.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

One year of supervisory experience preferred.

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Plans, develops, conducts and evaluates programs, events, activities, camps and/or tournaments.
• Supervises, trains, makes hiring recommendations and evaluates assigned employees, volunteers, and interns; handles all related concerns, directs work assignments, disciplines and counsels workers when necessary.
• Oversees program instructors and handles contract agreements with contract labor.
• Prepares specific objectives for programs and special events, and develops a written plan of action; evaluates and adjusts programs as necessary; maintains records for division/department reporting and assessment.
• Addresses needs of program participants with disabilities, and seeks higher-level assistance as needed.
• Prepares annual budget proposal for programs, events and/or projects; may assist with the development of the budget proposal.
• Coordinates volunteer needs, and assists with recruitment and training for programs and special events.
• Creates and coordinates publicity and/or promotional materials for programs and special events, including website maintenance; assists with distribution of materials.
• Prepares, coordinates and schedules appropriate facility for programs and special events by coordinating related maintenance, safety/inspections and security needs and concerns.
• Designs, constructs, maintains and collects materials for programs, displays and exhibits.
• Assists with the management of daily operations of the facility; may perform the duties of the facility supervisor when needed.
• Schedules, reserves, and inputs data for programs, events, activities, camps and/or tournaments into scheduling and reservation software.
• Serves as department liaison for various community groups and organizations.
• Responds to citizen inquires and complaints and addresses, solves, or forwards complaints to appropriate personnel.
• May be assigned as facility liaison for department social media and/or volunteer task force.

Performs Other Related Duties As Required.

When assigned to Sandy Creek Nature Center

• Plans, schedules, implements and evaluates educational, recreational, and summer camp programs, including supervision of volunteers, year-round staff, and seasonal staff.
• Teaches environmental education/natural science topics to groups of all ages, using various educational techniques.
• Facilitates parent with toddler programs for ages 18 months through 2 years.
• Trains volunteers, teachers, and other community members in environmental techniques, methods and philosophies.
• Coordinates volunteers for public programs and events, Trail Guides, and teen volunteers.
• Designs, constructs, and maintains environmental education displays and exhibits.
• Assists Program Leader with maintenance and care of native animal collection used in programs and exhibits.
• Supports facility/equipment inspections and upkeep.