(Part-Time) Community Outreach Interpreter

About the role

Under the direction of the Community Outreach Interpretive Services Supervisor, this year-round, part time Interpreter position engages the public and encourages participation in interpretive programs through activities, presentations, and publicity. Work responsibilities involve planning, preparing, and presenting talks, demonstrations, promoting public interest in the appreciation of natural and cultural history and driving the Mobile Learning Center. This position establishes and manages programs and initiatives supporting community outreach, builds and maintains long-term relationships with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of community relations strategies and activities, and performs a variety of professional and technical duties related to interpretive programs and operation of nature centers, farms, and museums for assigned district. This position will be focused on supporting early childhood and afterschool programs.

Supervision

Works under the general direction of the Community Outreach Interpretive Services Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completion of duties.

Responsibilities

• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity
• Conduct a variety of interpretive programs and activities for diverse audiences promoting the Metroparks and the Interpretive Department
• Assist in building relationships with community members, local organizations, schools, and businesses to promote Metropark programs and opportunities
• Assist with the planning, research, construction, and maintenance of interpretive exhibits, display panels, and other educational materials
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send out correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics
• Prepare and assist the Mobile Learning Center for a variety of special events
• Drive the Mobile Learning Center vehicles to assigned locations on a regular basis
• May serve on committees

Qualifications

Associate degree from accredited college in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, natural resources management or a related field. Bachelor's degree preferred. Applicants with 4 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience in interpretation, education or a related field
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or ability to obtain within one year of hire and maintain thereafter
• Ability to learn the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program
• Ability to use lesson plans to deliver science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors and other employees
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and implement new initiatives
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations
• Ability to use artistic tools
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays

Pay

$16.17 - $22.25 per hour (up to 1,500 hours per year)

Schedule

Part time, year-round. May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.

Tools & Equipment

Personal computer including database, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and word processing software; calculator, copy & fax machines; phone, GPS unit, radios, automobile and Mobile Learning Center Van.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Employee generally performs work in an inside environment. Occasionally, the employee will be required to work in an outdoor environment, where weather conditions include heat, rain, and snow.