Recreation and Parks Nature Center Activity Coordinator

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

A vacancy exists in the Department of Recreation and Parks for a Nature Center Activity Coordinator.

Pay Schedule I, Grade 19, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

Definition of Responsibility
Serves a shift lead at a nature center, natural area, historical center, or related facility supervising part time staff and volunteers.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s), certification(s) and/or professional license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of professional Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of professional licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Job Purpose
Under close supervision is responsible for the direct leadership of a wide variety of nature and historical programs, activities and special events.

Essential Job Duties:

• Assists in the creating, planning, implementing, scheduling, promoting and coordinating of a variety of nature and historical programs, activities and special events in a heavily programmed nature center, natural area, historical center or related facility both indoor and outdoor.

• Plans and leads diversified programs and activities in the following categories: nature appreciation, natural and cultural history, environmental education, agricultural and historical programs.

• Recruits, trains and coordinates the work of part-time staff and volunteers.

• Attends community meetings as required.

• Inspects facilities to make certain that structures, areas and equipment are safe, adequate and functioning properly.

• Provides care to a teaching collection of native wildlife.

• Performs trail maintenance and wildlife habitat management.

• Supervises the receipt and accounting of fees.

• Supervises the rental of equipment.

• Prepares program statistical reports.

• Enter programs and permits into the registration software: CivicRec

• Work hours and weekly schedule vary week to week, weekends, and seasonally.

Qualifications

Training and Experience

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or an equivalent.

Experience: Two years successful experience as a playground leader, recreation leader, specialist, teacher, or worker in a closely allied field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Entry Level)

• A practical knowledge of the principles and practices of conducting naturalist, environmental, historical, and related recreation and parks programs and activities.
• Knowledge of natural history, botany, zoology, and land and wildlife management.
• Knowledge of the principals and practices of nature center, environmental center, and historical center operations.
• Skill in conducting naturalist, environmental, historical and/or related recreation and parks programs.
• Skill in providing environmental education.
• Skill in working with individuals and the public.
• Ability to plan, organize, develop, and direct naturalist, environmental, and historical programs.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the operation and maintenance of a recreation and parks nature, environmental, or historical center.
• Ability to supervise staff.
• Ability to recruit, train, and guide volunteers.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with recreation and parks councils, community groups, the public, other agencies, and co-workers.

• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental recreation and parks programs, services, and operations.
• Skill in planning, organizing, developing, and directing naturalist, environmental, and historical programs.
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and directing the operation and maintenance of a recreation and parks nature, environmental, or historical center.
• Skill in supervising staff.
• Skill in recruiting, training, and guiding volunteers.
• Skill in representing the department at meetings and community events.
• Skill in preparing reports.
• Skill in communicating effectively.

Conditions of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification entails some physical labor including walking over rough and uneven surfaces in the inspection of facilities and grounds, infrequent exposure to adverse weather in the conducting of outdoor public programs and events, and some lifting and carrying in preparing for programs and events.

The work entails travel to recreation and park sites, facilities, and meetings throughout the County.

Employees in this classification may be assigned to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance
General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.
Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave
Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave
Vacation Leave
Personal Leave
Holidays
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance
70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer
This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.