(Part-Time) Interpreter - Nature Center

General Statement of Duties

The year-round, part-time Interpreter position seeks to present a variety of interpretive programs to school groups, families, community groups, and the general public. Work responsibilities include planning, preparing, and presenting talks, demonstrations, and promoting public interest in the appreciation of natural, historical, and cultural resources. This position also involves operating nature centers, farms, and museums for assigned districts.

Essential Duties

• Develop and conduct interpretive presentations to students, families, summer camps, and the general public.
• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity.
• Work a varied schedule, work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, am or pm shifts, and in any type of weather.
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send out correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics.
• Create and maintain necessary reports and paperwork.
• Market programs as needed.
• Welcome and interact with casual park visitors and answer inquiries in person and via telephone, e-mail, and social media.
• Maintain indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed.
• May serve on committees.
• May assist with special events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Aceessory’s degree from accredited college within nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources management or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Progressively responsible experience in interpretation, education or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the job may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors and other employees.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
• Ability to use technical lab and data collection equipment.
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed and if necessary.
• Will be required to work assigned Special Events, Weekends, Evenings and Holidays.
• Will be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

General Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Knowledge of and ability to design science education programs that support the specific grade level content expectations and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to complete CIG certification within one year.
• Knowledge of and ability to collect ecosystem data using technical equipment.
• Ability to speak effectively before large groups.
• Ability to operate listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public, outside agencies and employees.
• Must be able to demonstrate creativity and the ability to implement new initiatives.

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 by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
• 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.