What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural History Program Assistant position at Boulder County?
Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is seeking to hire a Natural History Program Assistant. This position's work primarily focuses on supporting the Natural History program in connecting the local community to the natural resources found across Boulder County Parks & Open Space properties through interpretation and environmental education. Duties include leading interpretive and environmental education programs; staffing special events, local festivals and trailhead displays; coordinating the Nature Detectives program; and assisting with volunteer center tasks.
This is a seasonal, hourly, non-benefited positions with a tentative start date of April 1 and an anticipated end date of October 25. This position will work 40 hours a week. This position works a Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. schedule. This position has potential hours outside of the typical schedule, due to special events or projects. This position reports to 3893 N. 75th Street, Boulder Colorado. Under the Fair Labor Standard Act (FSLA) guidelines, this position is non-exempt.
Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.
Hiring Salary Range: $24.04 - $26.54 Hourly
Tentative Hiring Timeline:
- First Round Interviews: March 18th
- Reference Check: March 20th
Boulder County employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Visit studentaid.gov for more information.
Interpretive and Educational Programs:- Work closely with volunteer naturalists to develop and present interpretive programs for the public and requesting groups, including guided hikes, shelter talks and indoor presentations
- Support leading environmental education programs for schools both in the classroom and out in the parks as part of fieldtrips and occasionally act as a site coordinator for fieldtrip programs
- Support staff with program coordination, programming calendar creation and communication with schools, volunteers, and other requesting partners
- Create, repair, and maintain interpretive props and supplies
- Track inventory of interpretive props and supplies
- Occasionally create displays for festival booths and special events
- Data entry and database management of the DISCOVER volunteer platform
- Run reports, update, and track data
- Support volunteer naturalists in preparing for programs and picking up materials
- Coordinate the Nature Detectives Kids Club program at 10 BCPOS parks, including stocking and collecting mystery guides, mailing gifts, and tracking participant data
- Update mystery guides, including creating a 50th anniversary edition, and Nature Detectives infrastructure
- Occasionally staff special events, local town festivals, and department museums
- Drive volunteers in 12-passenger vans (training provided) to help lead open space work projects
- Perform additional work as required
- May be reassigned during emergency situations
PLEASE NOTE: When completing your application describe all relevant education and experience, as applications are assessed based on the required qualifications listed. Resumes and other attachments are not accepted in lieu of completed applications and will not be reviewed in the initial screening process. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your attachments will then be shared with the hiring team.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Boulder County is looking for well qualified candidates to fill our positions. Any combination of relevant education and experience is encouraged. In this position, we are looking for a minimum of post-high school course work in environmental education, natural resource management, ecology, education, or related field, and/or one season of experience directly related to environmental education, teaching, resource management, or park management. Additional related education may count towards required experience.
DRIVER'S LICENSE:
- Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record
- Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide a valid driver’s license and a current motor vehicle record at the time of the interview
- For more information regarding a clean driving record, please click here.
BACKGROUND CHECK & FINGERPRINTING:
- A job offer is contingent on passing a background investigation with fingerprinting
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Requires wearing a uniform and working Tuesday through Saturday, with some Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer months
- Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer proficiency is required
- Candidates may be required to work independently in remote parks settings
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL:
- Candidates for this position will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Additional compensation will be provided based on the use of bilingual skills
- Knowledge of Front Range flora and fauna and ecosystems
- Effective planning, organization, communication, and time management skills
- Experience working with teens, families, and volunteer in the outdoors
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to work up to 8 hours outdoors
- Frequent lifting up to 30 lbs. and carries up to 50 feet
- Occasional walking, hiking, and standing
- Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and motor vehicle
- Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information
- Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and members of the public
Salary : $24 - $27
