Science in the Park Instructor

Prince William County; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 18,934 - 26,967; Part time

Job summary

Prince William County is seeking energetic Science in the Park Instructors to lead grade-specific science lessons for K-6 students. Lessons occur primarily outdoors at three parks and involve teaching in small groups with school chaperones.

The role emphasizes safety, engaging activities, and teamwork in a county program aligned with SOL standards. Starting pay is $16.66 per hour, with training paid by the county.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 16 years old.
• 0–12 months of related experience.
• All training and required certifications paid by the county.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out program plans, activities, and lessons. Sets up equipment or materials needed for a class and cleans up after program.
• Provides excellence in customer service by answering questions and providing information to the public.
• Maintains and prepares equipment and facility and maintains related records.
• Enforces program and facility rules; provides emergency care and treatment as required.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Skills

Customer service

Safety

Lesson delivery

Equipment monitoring

Interpersonal communication

Computer literacy

Education

8th grade education

Job description

The Department of Parks and Recreation offers the Science in the Park program to students and staff of Prince William County and surrounding areas. This program was developed to support student learning in environmental sciences, and provide hands-on, meaningful science fieldtrips for students Kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6). The Science in the Park program is aligned with Virginia's 2018 Standards of Learning (SOL) and is a proud partner of Prince William County Public Schools.

Science in the Park Instructors lead grade specific science lessons for students K-6. Lessons are held primarily outdoors at 3 Prince William County Parks: Locust Shade and Lake Ridge Parks on the eastern end of the county, and Silver Lake Park on the western end of the county. Instructors work as part of a team to teach science lessons to groups ranging in size from 8-16 students per group. Additionally, each group of students is supported by school chaperones or other Science in the Park staff.

Science in the Park is seeking fun, organized, and highly motivated individuals to join our incredible team. Instructors should have some experience and interest in nature, as well as experience working with children.

Instructors Are Responsible For

• Implementing grade specific lessons and activities as outlined in the curriculum
• Supervising and maintaining safety of participants.
• Ensuring a fun and meaningful experience for those participating in the program.

Science in the Park field trips are held Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. and run seasonally from March 1st through June 1st, then September 1st through November 30th. Science in the Park also leads additional environmental outreach programs throughout the year for all interested employees.

This position has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old and a minimum teaching/instruction experience of 12 months.

All training and required certifications are paid by the county. The Department of Parks and Recreation conducts criminal background checks on all new hires 18 years of age and older. Fingerprinting will be required.

Starting Rate of Pay: $16.66/hour

Please note: positions are open until the end of the advertisement period with ongoing application review.

NATURE OF WORK

This class is part of the Recreation Job Family. Incumbents perform routine work in connection with various recreation programs or activities. Instructors in this classification teach beginner and intermediate specialty level classes. Example: beginner/intermediate ballet, tap.jazz, safety, CPR, first aid, mini camps, environmental education and parent/child classes. May provide daily upkeep and light maintenance of equipment and facility.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable code of conduct rules; providing customer services. Work is performed in accordance with set procedures and guidelines, and deviation from those guidelines require approval.

TYPICAL CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carrying out program plans, activities, and lessons. Sets up equipment or materials needed for a class and cleans up after program.
• Provides excellence in customer service by answering questions and providing information to the public.
• Maintains and prepares equipment and facility and maintains related records.
• Enforces program and facility rules; provides emergency care and treatment as required.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

KNOWLEDGE

• Requires special training in specified activity;
• Requires knowledge and experience in specified activity;
• Customer service principles;
• Basic exercise science principles and theories;
• Recordkeeping principles;
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations;
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment;
• Modern office technology;
• Computers and related software applications.

Skills

• Providing customer service;
• Monitoring the use of equipment;
• Maintaining basic operational records and reports;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards;
• Utilizing computers and relevant software applications;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Discipline Specific Responsibilities

Discipline specific responsibilities do not apply to this classification.

LEVEL OF DECISIONS

Responsibilities are typically procedure based with defined goals and processes or methods, but incumbents have the latitude to determine the speed or order of steps used to complete assignments.

DIRECTION RECEIVED

Incumbents perform tasks following defined procedures and standards, and deviation from procedures typically requires prior approval.

DIRECTION PROVIDED

Incumbents are typically not responsible for providing formal work direction.

Minimum Education, Training And Experience Requirements

8th grade education and 0-12 months of related experience.

Special Requirements

Must be at least 16 years old; May require Federal or State background check.

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Medium Work: May require exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.

NOTE

The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.