Outdoor Educator (Seasonal/Limited Benefit)

About the role

This position is seasonal and part-time, serving as the Coordinator of Interpretive Services and Parks Naturalist. The Ottawa County Parks system offers a diverse range of programs and activities, emphasizing equitable access to all residents and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts outdoor education, natural history, and cultural history programs for people of all ages, including schools, scouts, and the general public.
• Develops, prepares, and leads environmental education programs and activities.
• Assists in keeping the Nature Center clean, organized, and functional.
• Manages visitors in the Nature Center, including greeting, orientation, monitoring, and sales.
• Aids in the direction of volunteers, assigning and directing work, monitoring and motivating them, and providing input for evaluation.
• Maintains accurate attendance records and evaluates program success, making recommendations.
• Plans, organizes, and implements curriculum.
• Works the reception desk, including greeting, orienting, and monitoring visitors, and providing assistance over the phone.
• Arranges for the purchase of supplies, coordinating expenditures with County Policies.
• Assists with the procurement, distribution, care, use, and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Maintains supply and equipment inventories.
• Safeguards program participants, co-workers, and the general public by following county policies. Provides first aid if necessary, reports incidents to the supervisor, and completes and submits appropriate records.
• Performs other related functions as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience working with children and others in an outdoor setting (nature center, camp, school, etc.).
• High school diploma or GED and specialized experience in environmental education, early childhood development, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with program planning, development, and presentation preferred.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish or another language spoken by groups residing in the county is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn the flora, fauna, and ecology of west Michigan.
• Excellent verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to speak effectively to a variety of groups.
• Basic principles, practices, and rules related to assigned area of instruction.
• Basic principles and practices of planning and implementing a nature-based program.
• Basic principles and practices of group dynamics and group interactions.
• Basic principles and practices of leadership and group organization.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills, including using Google and its applications and slide show software.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with other Parks and Recreation staff, children, and the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with widely divergent communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess sufficient mobility with or without assistive devices to access and lead groups through all natural features, structures, and facilities in parks.
• Features include dune stairs and other areas that are somewhat strenuous.
• Must possess sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to identify park features, flora and fauna.
• Must have sufficient vocal ability to deliver verbal presentations to park patrons and various groups.
• Ability to lead groups year-round in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to travel to various sites throughout the County.
• Willingness and ability to work occasional weekend and evening shifts in order to accommodate scheduled park programs.