Temporary Recreation Leader II - Environmental Educator

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria’s Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center seeks a Temporary Recreation Leader II/Environmental Educator to greet and assist visitors, deliver nature-based programming, care for animal ambassadors, and support administrative needs at the center in Alexandria, VA. The role requires enthusiasm, reliability, and strong customer service across diverse audiences.

Flexibility to work on weekdays and weekends is highly desired.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required with related experience.
• Two years of college coursework focused on biology, ecology, zoology, or environmental science.
• First Aid training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, development, and evaluation of nature programs.
• Conduct programs including birthday parties, field trips, and camps.
• Help care for the Nature Center's live animal ambassadors.
• Lead hikes and activities on rough, uneven terrain.
• Represent the Nature Center at outreach programs and City events.
• Perform front desk and administrative tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma

Two years college biology/ecology

First Aid training

Job description

Temporary Recreation Leader II/Environmental Educator Position

Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director

Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

About You

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.

As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence

• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions

• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment

• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community

• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

Overview

Are you passionate about plants, animals, or nature? Want to share your passion with others? Join other passionate professionals as an Environmental Educator at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center!

The Temporary Recreation Leader II/Environmental Educator will greet and assist Nature Center patrons, deliver nature-based programming, assist in the care of the Nature Center’s animal ambassadors, and support the administrative needs of the organization. This position is located at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue in Alexandria, VA 22311.

What You Should Bring

As a member of our team, you are responsible for the outstanding delivery of services to the community. This position requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to comfortably interact with customers of all ages and backgrounds. You will need to be energetic, responsive, professional, courteous and accountable. You should be comfortable around animals and have intermediate knowledge of nature and natural systems. You must have experience working with youth or leading group activities; experience in informal environmental education or professional work with animals is a plus. You need to be able to assist in planning and implementation of informal educational programming for a wide range of audiences. You must ensure that you encourage a fun, safe, and orderly environment.

The Nature Center is a seven-day per week operation, therefore, your flexibility to work on weekdays and/or weekends will be highly desired.

The Opportunity

• Assist with the planning, development, and evaluation of nature programs
• Conduct a variety of programs, including birthday parties, field trips, and camps
• Assist with the care of the Nature Center's collection of live animal ambassadors
• Lead hikes and activities on rough, uneven terrain
• Represent the Nature Center at outreach programs and City events
• Perform front desk and administrative tasks
• Other duties as assigned

About the Department

The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to enrich the City of Alexandria by creating meaningful experiences through public space, cultural activities, and programming. The Department’s vision is to improve the well‑being of every person in our community by connecting them to each other and their environment. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

High School Diploma and two (2) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.

Successful completion of two or more of years of college with primary coursework focused on biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, veterinary science, or early childhood education; plus, experience developing and conducting nature-based programs for youth, and/or handling or caring for amphibians and reptiles.

This is a temporary at-will employment opportunity, and is limited to a maximum of 1,500 hours per year. There are no employee benefits for retirement, hospitalization, or other benefits. Work hours may vary and can range from 0-40 hours per week. Successful completion of a drug screening and criminal record check will be required.

The Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center is operational 7 days a week and work may reflect any combination of hours and days of the week.