Nature Program Instructor-Part time

Salary: $16.75 Hourly

Location : Fountain Rock Park – Walkersville, MD

Job Type: Part-Time Non-Benefited

Job Number: FY24-00084

Department: Parks and Recreation Division

Division: Parks Rec

Opening Date: 08/02/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

JOB INFORMATION

The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation is committed to the highest level of care of our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks & recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County.

The Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life of county residents by providing innovative activities and programs that meet the recreational needs of Frederick County communities. We encourage participation in a variety of recreational opportunities that foster enjoyment and lifelong learning.

POSITION DETAILS:
Non-exempt; part-time year-round position; working up to 20 hours per week; assigned hours may include weekdays, weekends/evening hours and events; no benefits

This person will present educational programs to various groups visiting Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center (e.g. families, school groups, scout troops, pre-school groups, etc.) Assigned hours will typically be weekdays between the hours of 8:00am-4:00pm, however some evening hours may be required for classes and events. Direction may be given to volunteer staff; supervision is received from the Nature Center Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct nature-themed birthday parties as well as hosting the nature center on weekends
• Present nature education programs and nature craft programs at the park. Themes may include animals, plant identification, hikes, and various nature programs and nature related topics
• Greet and converse with the public as they visit the nature centers
• Appropriately handle reptiles, amphibians and insects for programs
• Maintain accurate attendance, daily receipt records, and other facility/program record-keeping
• Supervise the nature center facilities during program hours; keep the facilities safe, clean, and appealing to the public
• Report and communicate with Nature Center Manager any facility maintenance found necessary
• Develop natural and historic knowledge of each nature center, in order to effectively respond to inquiries from visitors and others concerning natural features and cultural history in the park area
• Perform other related duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Duties section, each employee in this classification may perform the following other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum age 18 years
• Minimum 6 months (2 summer seasons) experience related to nature and/or environmental activities/studies – OR – educational background related to teaching and/or environmental studies
• Experience in leading programs on nature topics
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR (infant/child and adult), or able to become so certified within 60 days of hire

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to enthusiastically and effectively lead and supervise groups of children in indoor and outdoor activities
• Ability to handle nature center animals, including snakes, amphibians, and insects; or willingness to learn handling techniques
• Desire and enthusiasm to work with children and various nature center animals
• Ability to effectively organize, plan and implement nature activities as well as day-to-day assignments, determine priorities and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively evaluate emergencies and unexpected situations and promptly respond in an appropriate manner
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to accurately complete record-keeping duties, and the ability to effectively present programs to any age group (with special aptitude for lively presentations of interest to children)
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, children and their family members, and the general public
• Physical requirements include the ability to load, unload and set up Nature Center equipment and displays, as well as the ability to traverse woods, streams, fields and other outdoor areas

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Experience leading programs on environmental/nature based topics
• Experience handling animals (such as snakes, turtles, frogs, or insects) native to Maryland
• Additional related education

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Ability and willingness to participate in program planning
• Ability to provide own transportation as needed
• Current certifications must be maintained throughout employment

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
3) A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Position is not eligible to receive benefits with exception to the 457 Plan as listed below.

Savings Plan – Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement now and pay taxes later by contributing a portion of their salaries pre-tax to the plan. Contributions are invested at the employee’s direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

01

Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have education related to environmental studies?

• Yes
• No

03

In the text box below, please describe your related education.

04

Do you have at least 6 months (2 summer seasons) of experience related to nature and/or environmental activities/studies?- OR – Do you have an educational background related to teaching and/or environmental studies

• Yes
• No

05

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

06

Do you have experience leading programs on nature topics?

• Yes
• No

07

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed.NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

08

Do you have experience handling animals (such as snakes, turtles, frogs, or insects) native to Maryland?

• Yes
• No

09

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

Required Question