What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature Program Instructor position at Frederick County , Inc.?

Salary : $16.75 Hourly

Location : Parks & Recreation Division - Frederick, MD

Job Type : Part-Time Non-Benefited

Job Number : FY25-00048

Department : Parks and Recreation Administration

Opening Date : 11 / 22 / 2024

Closing Date : Continuous

JOB INFORMATION

The Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation is committed to the highest level of care of our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks & recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County.

The Recreation Department seeks to enhance the quality of life of county residents by providing innovative activities and programs that meet the recreational needs of Frederick County communities. We encourage participation in a variety of recreational opportunities that foster enjoyment and lifelong learning.

POSITION DETAILS :

Non-exempt; part-time year-round position; working up to 26 hours per week; assigned hours may include weekdays, weekends / evening hours and events; no benefits

This person will present educational programs to various groups visiting Fountain Rock Nature Center (e.g. families, school groups, scout troops, pre-school groups, etc.) Assigned hours could be scheduled Monday through Sunday between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm for morning or afternoon shifts during the months of March-June. Direction may be given to volunteer staff; supervision is received from the Nature Center Manager.

Frederick County Government recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct nature-themed birthday parties as well as hosting the nature center on weekends.
Present nature education programs sometimes using live animals at the park.
Greet and converse with the public as they visit the nature centers.
Appropriately handle reptiles, amphibians and insects for programs
Maintain accurate attendance, daily receipt records, and other facility / program record-keeping.
Supervise the nature center facilities during program hours; keep the facilities safe, clean, and appealing to the public.
Develop natural and historic knowledge of Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation and its various parks and facilities, in order to effectively respond to inquiries from visitors.
Perform routine custodial tasks, such as cleaning tables, floors, dusting, and animal enclosures.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Duties section, each employee in this classification may perform the following other duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications / requirements, knowledge / skills / abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum age 18 years

Minimum 6 months (2 summer seasons) experience related to nature and / or environmental activities / studies - OR - educational background related to teaching and / or environmental studies.

Experience in leading programs on nature topics

Current certification in First Aid and CPR (infant / child and adult), or able to become so certified within 60 days of hire

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

Ability to enthusiastically and effectively lead and supervise groups of children in indoor and outdoor activities.

Ability to handle nature center animals, including snakes, amphibians, and insects; or willingness to learn handling techniques.

Desire and enthusiasm to work with children and various nature center animals

Ability to effectively organize, plan and implement nature activities as well as day-to-day assignments, determine priorities and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision.

Ability to effectively evaluate emergencies and unexpected situations and promptly respond in an appropriate manner

Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to accurately complete record-keeping duties, and the ability to effectively present programs to any age group (with special aptitude for lively presentations of interest to children)

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, children and their family members, and the general public

Physical requirements include the ability to load, unload and set up Nature Center equipment and displays, as well as the ability to traverse woods, streams, fields and other outdoor areas

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR :

Experience leading programs on environmental / nature-based topics.

Experience handling animals (such as snakes, turtles, frogs, or insects) native to Maryland

Additional related education

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

Ability and willingness to participate in program planning

Ability to provide own transportation as needed

Current certifications must be maintained throughout employment

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include) :

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) One or more interviews

3) A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation

This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Position is not eligible to receive benefits with exception to the 457 Plan as listed below.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation :

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement now and pay taxes later by contributing a portion of their salaries pre-tax to the plan. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.

I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

Are you at least 18 years of age?

Do you have education related to environmental studies?

In the text box below, please describe your related education.

Do you have at least 6 months (2 summer seasons) of experience related to nature and / or environmental activities / studies?- OR - Do you have an educational background related to teaching and / or environmental studies

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment / service and the duties you performed.NOTE : If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

Do you have experience leading programs on nature topics?

Do you have experience handling animals (such as snakes, turtles, frogs, or insects) native to Maryland?

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment / service and the duties you performed. NOTE : If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.

Required Question

Salary : $17

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Nature Program Instructor job openings

Nature Program Instructor

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature Program Instructor position at Frederick County , Inc.?

What is the career path for a Nature Program Instructor?

Job openings at Frederick County , Inc.

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Nature Program Instructor jobs in the Frederick, MD area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Nature Program Instructor jobs in the Frederick, MD area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!