Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator (Naturalist I)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking an Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at Huntley Meadows Park (HMP) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. HMP in Alexandria is a park where every day is different. HMP is a 1560-acre park, which includes Historic Huntley, vast natural and cultural resources, and visitor center. HMP welcomes more than 200,000 annual visitors to the park.

This position manages a 90 person volunteer program, including recruitment, training, scheduling, interviewing, hiring, evaluating and recognition. Manages volunteer hours and recruitment through volunteer database. Responsible for site volunteer budget, purchasing and reporting. This position routinely engages in community outreach activities, and manages the park’s gift ship. Responsible for gift shop budget, purchasing and reporting. Regularly serves as the manager on duty, opening, closing, and operating the visitor center. Occasionally creates and leads natural science and cultural history programs. All responsibilities and other duties assigned are performed under limited supervision by the visitor services manager. Requires regular weekend, evening, nighttime, and holiday work based on the operational season.

Illustrative Duties

• Researches, designs, promotes, schedules, conducts and evaluates interpretive programs in natural and cultural history in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings;
• Tailors new and existing interpretive programs to specific audiences;
• Designs and fabricates interpretive exhibits for display, and designs interpretive brochures, flyers, newsletters and other nature center publications;
• Provides oversight, direction and support to exempt paid or volunteer interpretive staff;
• Greets visitors to the nature center and park and provides information and impromptu interpretation of the site as appropriate;
• Promotes and maintains community relations;
• Conducts associated public programs, as required;

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of park management practices;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and questions;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of individuals including the general public.

• Ability to develop and present creative interpretive programs for both children and adults.

Employment Standards

• At least one year experience working in a natural area park.
• At least one year experience working at a historic site.
• Proficiency in excel and word.
• Comfortable using databases and online forms.
• At least one year experience supervising volunteers.
• Knowledge of local natural history, flora, and fauna.
• Knowledge of local cultural history.