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 Bowers Farm/Discovery Oaks programming.
Are you passionate about connecting people with agriculture, nature, and hands-on outdoor learning experiences?
Oakland County Parks and Recreation is seeking an enthusiastic and engaging Parks Naturalist to lead educational programming at Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks. In this role, you'll develop and deliver immersive farm- and nature-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and strengthen connections between residents and Oakland County's natural and agricultural heritage.
As the onsite program leader, you'll oversee daily programming, supervise staff and volunteers, and create memorable experiences that encourage visitors of all ages to explore, learn, and return.
What you'll do:
- Develop and lead engaging farm- and nature-based educational programs for children, families, schools, and community groups
- Manage the day-to-day operation of programming at Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks
- Supervise, train, and support part-time staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional visitor experiences
- Create hands-on learning opportunities that promote agriculture, ecology, environmental stewardship, and lifelong learning
- Ensure programs, facilities, and activities meet Oakland County Parks' quality and safety standards
- Plan and support seasonal events, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives
- Evaluate program participation and visitor feedback to continuously improve learning experiences
- Utilize County software to coordinate programming, reporting, and daily operations
Why you'll love it:
- Inspire children and families to connect with nature, agriculture, and the outdoors through engaging, hands-on experiences
- Lead programming at the 93 Acre Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks, where learning comes to life through interactive education and exploration
- Enjoy a dynamic role that blends education, conservation, agriculture, leadership, and community engagement
- Work in unique outdoor settings where every season brings new opportunities for learning and discovery
- Help advance Oakland County Parks' mission of building community connections, environmental stewardship, and year-round park engagement
- Join a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable experiences that enrich the lives of Oakland County residents
If you're an educator, naturalist, or outdoor enthusiast who loves inspiring others through experiential learning and creating meaningful connections to nature and agriculture, we'd love to hear from you.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, 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 FARM LEARNING SITE
- Plans, develops, and delivers farm-based educational programs for diverse audiences, including school field experiences, farm camps, family programs, community classes, and interpretive events. Programs are grounded in place-based learning, hands-on experiential instruction, and real-world agricultural and ecological contexts. Program calendars are designed to build recurring attendance and advance activation goals.
- Designs learning experiences using evidence-based outdoor education approaches, including project based and inquiry-based learning, food system literacy, and ecological stewardship. Programs position the farm as a living classroom and support participants in moving from discovery through understanding and into active care of the working landscape.
- Pursues ongoing professional learning in farm-based education, outdoor pedagogy, and experiential curriculum design. Applies professional learning directly to program development, farm interpretation, and educator training.
- Oversees daily educational and interpretive programming at an assigned farm learning site, including hands-on farming, planting, harvesting, animal care, and farm-to-table cooking.
- Monitors farm learning spaces, animal areas, trails, and outdoor program environments to ensure they are safe, accessible, and educationally effective.
- Develops interpretive materials, program guides, and outreach communications to support farm-based education and public engagement.
- Collaborates with schools, 4-H, Master Gardeners, agricultural organizations, and community partners to expand farm-based educational opportunities.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assists in planning outdoor education workshops for teachers and other educators in order to promote professional development in outdoor, place-based, and environmental education and instructs workshop sessions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
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.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
- Ability to coordinate communications for special events, tours, site reviews and other activities.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and traverse natural terrain, trails, and farm environments.
- Ability to lead groups in indoor and outdoor educational settings, including farm environments with animals and agricultural equipment.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work normally carried out within a typical office environment as well as in an outdoor environment where there is exposure to weather conditions.
- May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.
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.
