The Part-time Naturalist Programmer plans, develops, coordinates and delivers year- round nature education programs for the community which includes family programs, nature series, special events, school (home/public) programs, camps and preschool programs. This position also is responsible for writing staff reports, maintaining and preparing budgets and other supporting roles. Works in close collaboration with the other Part-time Naturalist with Animal Care, and Outreach public programs. This position coordinates mainly with the Park Naturalist Supervisor and other positions such as Parks Facilities Manager, Parks Superintendent, Recreation Supervisor and other Programmers on various tasks and projects.
Working Hours: Typical work hours will vary, Monday-Friday. Some evening and weekend work will be required.
Essential Function(s) of the Position: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the level and/or class of this position.
Program Planning & Delivery
- Plan, develop, coordinate and deliver a variety of interpretive nature education and water-based programs to an audience of varying ages and interests. Lead in creating, entering and managing public programs into our seasonal brochure. Lead on Monday Micro-Nature Moments.
- Lead on contracting with a variety of nature education presenters (i.e., Live Animal Shows).
- Support Naturalist team by creating and facilitating stations at numerous nature-based special events.
- Takes initiative in assigned program and event operations.
Nature Camps
- Plan, develop, and coordinate nature camps. Facilitate single day nature camp programs, including Fishing Frenzy. Plan and prepare to grow future nature camp programming.
- This position has a direct report of an Environmental Education Intern to support nature camps and nature programming April–August.
Collaboration & Marketing
- Work with the Recreation team for special events and programs.
- Collaborate with the Marketing Manager and other Naturalist/Programmers to develop content and materials for recreation program brochure, social media, local cable interviews and press releases to market and promote the natural areas, trails, and programs.
- Resolve problems and exchange information together with Park Naturalists.
- Customer Service & Program Evaluation
- Conduct research necessary to resolve customer issues and concerns; make necessary adjustments or recommend a plan to resolve the issue.
- Monitor customer satisfaction of recreational programs and activities via surveys and other performance measures.
- Cross train with PT Naturalist on animal care and appointment-focus programming. Assist as needed.
Adminstration & Operation
- Enforce office procedures, applicable forms, and guidelines.
- Prepare reports regarding divisional operations, statistics and finances as required, from the registration software, as related to assigned nature programming.
- Manage the implementation of approved budget(s); assures actual revenue and expenditures are within budget(s) and recommend changes when appropriate.
- Meet deadlines as assigned (i.e., publication deadlines, staff reports, invoices, credit card reports, etc.).
- Meetings & Professional Development
- Attend quarterly and monthly staff meetings, nature meetings, as well as monthly Programming meetings.
- Attend professional development opportunities as assigned; attend local and state networking meetings as scheduled.
Special Projects & Volunteer Coordination
- Bluebird box monitoring with volunteer management.
- Lead on Eagle Scout project management.
- Community Garden coordination, registration management, customer service and program development.
General
- Adhere to Commission guidelines, policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience/Licenses/Certificates:
- Bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation management, science, education or related area is required.
- One to two years of related experience including environmental interpretation, nature center operations, recreation programming, science or environmental education, special events planning/management, and budget development responsibilities.
- Experience in program management.
- Experience in summer camp facilitation and management including seasonal summer staff.
- Experience working in an office and outdoor setting.
- Ability to deliver highly effective customer service.
- First Aid and CPR Certification within six months of hire in date.
- Must possess valid Michigan Driver’s License.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively facilitate a variety of interpretive nature programs and activities for residents of varying ages.
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
- Analytical ability to develop a variety of programs, activities, camp and special events that appeal to residents.
- Ability to implement creative and trendy ideas into programming, including nature education trends and ideas.
- Strong classroom management or behavior management experience.
- Must be enthusiastic and a motivational leader when working with children.
- Must be personable and engaging with a diverse demographic of people.
- Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on detail.
- Ability to handle questions, complaints and concerns from the public and from employees in a professional manner.
- Ability to maintain excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to organize work and be able to work independently, as well as collaborate with a team.
- Ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative in analyzing programs and recommending solutions.
- Must be productive, courteous, flexible, resourceful and creative as well as have effective work skills.
- Ability to fish, canoe and kayak; able to teach and lead preferred.
- Ability to snowshoe; able to teach and lead preferred.
- Ability to operate various pieces of office equipment.
- Must be professional in appearance.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Vehicles Used: Office equipment used includes computer, fax machine, large capacity printer, etc. Vehicles used include WBPRC work van.
Physical Demands:
This position is an office position as well as an outdoor position. Therefore must be able to sit for long periods of time at a computer workstation, typing and making phone calls. However, when field time is required, must be able to stand and tolerate the outdoors for long periods of time, in all elements. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
This is a safety sensitive position, and drug screenings may be required.
Working Conditions: Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and able to meet various deadlines. Work involves exposure to dust, dirt, noise, live animals, pesticides and adverse weather. This position may be exposed to extreme heat and cold when field time is required. Some travel is required to various site locations, offsite meetings, continuing education opportunities and conferences.
Benefits: This position is eligible for participation in the 401a. This position is ineligible for all other benefits.
Reporting Relationships: A person in this position will report to the Park Naturalist Supervisor.
Pay: $20.26 - $22.76 per hour
Work Location: In person
