Nature Instructor

About the role

The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation seeks a non-exempt, part-time year-round individual to present educational programs and weekend birthday parties to various groups visiting Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center. This position involves evening and weekend work, including weekends and evenings at the Nature Center and visiting local schools for the Nature Travels program.

Responsibilities

• Congratulations! You've been selected for this exciting opportunity to engage with the community through nature-themed birthday parties and educational programs.
• Conduct nature-themed birthday parties as well as hosting the nature center on weekends.
• Present nature education programs and nature craft programs in the evenings and on weekends. Themes may include animals, plant identification, hikes, geology programs, and other nature-related topics.
• Greet and converse with the public as they visit the nature centers.
• 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 Park Naturalist 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.
• Aid in marketing of nature centers to the public.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum age 18 years.
• Minimum 6 months (2 summer seasons) work experience related to nature and/or environmental activities/studies - OR - educational background related to teaching and/or environmental studies.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR (infant/child and adult), or willing to obtain certification within 60 days of hire (current certifications must be maintained throughout employment).
• Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
  • Ability to enthusiastically and effectively lead and supervise groups of children in indoor and outdoor activities.
  • 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.
  • Effective organization, planning, and implementation of nature activities as well as day-to-day assignments, determination of priorities, and completion of assigned duties with minimal supervision.
  • Evaluation of emergencies and unexpected situations and prompt response.
  • 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).
  • Development and maintenance of effective working relationships with co-workers, children and their family members, and the general public.
  • Preference may be given for experience leading programs on environmental/nature-based topics.

Additional Information

• Ability to provide own transportation as needed.
• Willingness to participate in program planning.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.
• 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.