Program Specialist / Naturalist

GRPA Leadership; Athens (GA); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is seeking a Program Specialist / Naturalist to plan, develop, supervise, and evaluate Leisure Services programs in Athens, GA. The role emphasizes safety, program quality, and staff supervision, with additional duties in publicity and community outreach.

Candidates should have a related bachelor's degree and at least one year of relevant experience, a valid driver's license, and required certifications within 12 months of hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to outdoor recreation, education, environmental education, forestry, wildlife, anthropology, geology, natural sciences, or related area; with one year of related work experience or equivalent
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Project WET, WILD, and Learning Tree Facilitator Certification and the Adopt-A-Stream Chemical and Macroinvertebrate Certification within 12 months of hire
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within 6 months
• FEMA’s NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 level trainings within 12 months of hire and maintain throughout employment
• One year of supervisory experience preferred

Responsibilities

• 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 related concerns and directs work assignments.
• Oversees program instructors and handles contract agreements with contract labor.
• Prepares objectives and written plan of action; evaluates and adjusts programs; maintains division/department records.
• Addresses needs of program participants with disabilities and seeks higher-level assistance as needed.
• Prepares annual budget proposal for programs, events, and projects; may assist with budget development.
• Coordinates volunteers and training for programs and events.
• Creates and coordinates publicity and promotional materials, including website maintenance.
• Schedules facilities and related maintenance and safety for programs and events.
• Manages materials for programs, displays, and exhibits.
• Assists with daily facility operations and may serve as facility supervisor when needed.
• Inputs data for scheduling into reservation software and acts as liaison for community groups.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints, routing as needed.
• May supervise social media and volunteer task forces.
• Performs other related duties.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation or related field

Job description

By Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

8/12/2026

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.

One year of supervisory experience preferred.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

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 Sand 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.

Images

Additional Info

Job Type / Type of Position : Full-Time

Position : Program Specialist / Naturalist

Organization : Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

City : Athens

Primary Category : Misc

Experience Requirement : 1-2 years

Salary : $54,569

Salary Calculations/Paid : Yearly

Job Contact Phone Number : 7624006388