Temporary Recreation Leader II-Environmental Educator

 
Overview
 Are you passionate about plants, animals, or nature? Want to share your passion with others? Join other passionate professionals as an Environmental Educator at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center!
 
In pursuit of service excellence, the Temporary Recreation Leader II/Environmental Educator will greet and assist Nature Center patrons; deliver impromptu programs for visitors; conduct nature-based programming; assist in the care of the Nature Center’s live animals and plants; and support the administrative needs of the organization. The candidate will work under the supervision of the Program Coordinator. This position is located at the Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center, 5750 Sanger Avenue in Alexandria, VA 22311.

 What You Should Bring
As a member of our team, you are responsible for the outstanding delivery of services to the community. This position requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to comfortably interact with customers of all ages and backgrounds. You will need to be energetic, responsive, professional, courteous and accountable. You should be comfortable around animals and intermediate knowledge of nature and natural systems. You must have experience working with youth or leading group activities - experience in informal environmental education or professional work with animals is a plus. You need to be able to assist in planning and implementation of informal educational programming for a wide range of audiences. You must ensure that you encourage a fun, safe, and orderly environment in order to be successful. 
 
The Nature Center is a seven-day per week operation, therefore, your flexibility to work on weekdays and/or weekends will be highly desired. 
 
The Opportunity

• Deliver impromptu programs for visitors;
• Conduct nature-themed birthday parties and scout programs;
• Lead hikes and activities in the park on rough, uneven terrain;
• Help develop, plan and conduct nature-based programs and activities;
• Represent the Nature Center at outreach programs and City events;
• Assist with the care of the Nature Center's live animals and plants;
• Keep Nature Center clean and safe; 
• Ensure all equipment and supplies are organized and appropriately stored;
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings;
• Perform front desk and administrative tasks;
• Other duties as assigned

About the Department
 The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to enrich the City of Alexandria by creating meaningful experiences through public space, cultural activities, and programming. The Department’s vision is to improve the well-being of every person in our community by connecting them to each other and their environment. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.
  

High School Diploma and two (2) years of related experience  or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.

Successful completion of two or more of years of college with primary coursework focused on biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, veterinary science, or early childhood education; plus, experience developing and conducting nature-based programs for youth, and/or handling or caring for amphibians and reptiles. Some supervisory experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.


This is a temporary at-will employment opportunity, and is limited to a maximum of 1,500 hours per year. There are no employee benefits for retirement, hospitalization, or other benefits. Work hours may vary and can range from 0-40 hours per week. Successful completion of a drug screening and criminal record check will be required.

The Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center is operational 7 days a week and work may reflect any combination of hours and days of the week.

Salary : $20