Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Compensation: $60,990 - $81,714
This position will lead programming for Johnson Nature Center at Bloomfield Oaks
events.
Are you passionate about inspiring people to explore, understand, and protect the natural world?
Oakland County Parks and Recreation is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Parks Naturalist to lead nature-based educational programming at Johnson Nature Center - Bloomfield Oaks. In this role, you'll develop and deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences that foster curiosity, environmental stewardship, and lasting connections to Oakland County's natural landscapes.
As the onsite program leader, you'll oversee daily operations, supervise staff and volunteers, and create memorable experiences that encourage residents of all ages to discover, return to, and care for our parks.
What you'll do:
- Develop and lead engaging nature-based educational and interpretive programs for children, families, schools, and community groups
- Manage the day-to-day operation of programming at Johnson Nature Center - Bloomfield Oaks
- Supervise, train, and support part-time staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional visitor experiences
- Create hands-on learning opportunities that promote ecological literacy, environmental stewardship, and connection to nature
- Ensure programs, facilities, and activities meet Oakland County Parks' quality and safety standards
- Plan and support special events, seasonal programming, and community outreach initiatives
- Monitor program participation, evaluate outcomes, and use feedback to continuously improve visitor experiences
- Utilize County software to coordinate programming, reporting, and daily operations
Why you'll love it:
- Inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature through meaningful outdoor education experiences
- Lead programming at a unique 40 acre nature preserve - Johnson Nature Center at Bloomfield Oaks—that connect residents with Michigan's natural environment
- Enjoy a dynamic role that combines education, conservation, leadership, and community engagement
- Work outdoors in beautiful park settings while creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages
- Help advance Oakland County Parks' vision of increasing community connection, stewardship, and year-round park engagement
- Join a passionate team dedicated to protecting natural resources and enriching the lives of Oakland County residents
If you're an energetic educator, naturalist, or environmental professional who enjoys leading outdoor learning experiences and inspiring others to connect with nature, we'd love to receive your application.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in parks interpretation, outdoor education, the biological sciences or related field. NOTE: Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( http://naces.org/members.html ). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.
- Have had at least two (2) years full-time professional work experience in a park's nature interpretation program.
- Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffer’s license. Out of country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
- Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
- Successfully complete the six month probationary period.
ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified Interpretive Program.
- Considerable knowledge and appreciation of ideals and objectives of a planned nature program.
- Considerable ability to plan a budget, organize, coordinate and direct the activities and personnel involved in a well-rounded nature program.
- Considerable ability to direct the preparation of exhibits for the environmental programs and facilities, establish and label nature trails, and give lectures.
- Considerable ability to instruct groups in the fundamentals of natural sciences as applied to an Interpretive Program.
- Considerable ability to speak effectively before a variety of groups interested in the study of park environment.
- Ability to operate office equipment such as an adding machine and a typewriter, and considerable ability to operate motor vehicles such as a pick‑up truck and a van.
- Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license.
WHEN ASSIGNED TO A NATURE CENTER
- Plans, develops, and delivers a comprehensive schedule of nature-based educational and interpretive programs for diverse audiences, including schools, families, scouts, community groups, and the general public. Promotes public interest in the study and appreciation of nature through organized field visits, hikes, workshops, camps, preschool, and special events. Program schedules are designed to support year-round attendance and convert first-time visitors into repeat participants, contributing to countywide participation goals.
- Participates in the design and delivers outdoor learning experiences grounded in evidence-based pedagogical approaches, including place-based learning, project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and experiential education. Programs build ecological literacy and a developmental relationship with the natural landscape through the stages of discovery, understanding, and action building a stewardship pipeline.
- Pursues ongoing professional learning to stay current with best practices in outdoor and environmental education, including place-based learning, nature-based early childhood education, informal STEM learning, and outdoor pedagogy. Applies professional learning directly to program design and delivery.
- Oversees the daily operation of the Nature Center and surrounding grounds, ensuring facilities, exhibits, equipment, and program spaces are safe, clean, organized, and visitor-ready.
- Schedules and directs interpretive program content, considering the park’s seasonal attractions, special points of interest, and supervisor guidelines. Discusses and plans future programs with the Recreation Program Supervisor to ensure commission objectives are met.
- Surveys trails to ensure nature signs and trail conditions are maintained. Monitors outdoor learning spaces to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and educationally effective.
- Understands the park’s flora and fauna as well as unique natural features for use in programming, trail guides, and interpretive materials.
- Writes trail guides, bird lists, interpretive displays, and outreach communications to support public engagement and participation.
- Coordinates with park operations staff regarding maintenance needs, grounds management, trails, exhibits, and facility improvements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Supervises, trains, mentors, and schedules part-time staff, seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers to ensure program quality, customer service, and operational effectiveness. Fosters a positive team culture grounded in service and commitment to participant experience.
- Oversees program supplies, educational materials, equipment, and inventory; manages resources necessary for successful operations.
- Collaborates with schools, scout organizations, libraries, and community partners to expand educational reach and field experience programming. Builds and maintains school district relationships to support multi-visit and four-season school partnership programs.
- Coordinates and facilitates school field experiences, including early childhood, school group programming, and off-site outreach to schools and libraries.
- Leads and delivers Camps and other youth programming.
- Leads the delivery of community programs, including weekend hours, seasonal events, community classes, and family programming.
- Coordinates with MSU Extension at the assigned site, integrating research-based curriculum, supporting MSU staff participation, and contributing to collaborative program development.
- Implements and enforces departmental policies, procedures, and safety standards to ensure a safe environment for visitors, staff, and program participants.
- Maintains records, schedules, program evaluations, and reports to assess effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
- Responds to visitor inquiries and serves as a knowledgeable resource regarding natural resources, farm-based learning, environmental education, and park programs.
- Monitors program enrollment, school group participation, and attendance data. Reports on participation trends and contributes to performance metric tracking.
- Assists with budget planning and management for programming, supplies, and operations at the assigned site.
- Evening, weekends, and holiday work may be required to support programs and special events.
- Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
- Functions as a working supervisor, over a group of students, volunteers, part‑time and full‑time employees.
- Instructs, assigns, schedules, checks and appraises performance.
- Participates in decisions to hire, discipline, discharge, and award pay increases and/or promotions.
- Regularly performs same duties as employees supervised.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists in planning outdoor education workshops for teachers in order to promote professional development in outdoor education and instructs workshop sessions.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to communicate to accurately convey information
- Ability to coordinate communications for special events, tours, site reviews and other activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work normally is carried out within a typical office environment as well as in an outdoor environment where there is exposure to weather conditions.
IMPORTANT NOTE : The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
BU99 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Parks and Recreation Non-Sup (UAW)
*If applicable
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.
