(Part Time) Farm Center Interpreter/Teamster

General Statement of Duties

The Interpreter/Teamster performs a variety of duties related to conducting horse-drawn hayrides and planning, preparing, and teaching agricultural programs. Work responsibilities involve operating and maintaining horse-drawn vehicles, caring for and maintaining farm livestock, and promoting public interest in the facilities and activities.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completing duties.

Essential Duties

• Cleans and maintains indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed.
• Welcomes and interacts with casual park visitors and answers inquiries in person and via telephone, e-mail, and social media.
• Operates and maintains horse-drawn vehicles including harnessing equipment.
• Conducts educational programs for schools, private groups, and visiting patrons.
• Provides safe environment for park visitors.
• May assist with special events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred from accredited college within nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, agriculture, animal science, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Experience with livestock handling. Draft horse experience preferred.
• Experience in interpretation, education or a related field preferred.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to obtain a CIG certification 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 design science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Ability to work with and care for a diverse range of large and small animals.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public, outside agencies and employees.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and the ability to implement new initiatives.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
• Ability to use carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to traverse sandy, marshy and wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
• Maintains a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Personal computer including data base, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, power point, and word processing software;
• Calculator, copy & fax machines;
• Phone, GPS unit, radios, automobile and heavy farm equipment.

Physical Demands

• Routine walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, reaching with hands and arms, running, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to heat, wet and/or humid conditions, chemicals, animals, foliage and vegetation, etc.

Work Environment

• Outside weather conditions.
• Heat, wet and/or humid conditions.
• Chemicals.
• Animals.
• Foliage and vegetation.