Agriculture Education Program Coordinator (PT)

MetroParks of Butler County is seeking part-time employees who want to work outside and assist with furthering our mission of conservation, education, recreation.

Summary: Develops and presents MetroParks of Butler County programs and events including animals, gardening, agricultural education, and history. Assists with the daily maintenance and improvement of the grounds and farm. Performs a variety of general-purpose duties and manual labor tasks related to the upkeep and improvement of program animals, equipment, and park grounds.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities – Essential Functions:

• Plans, coordinates, and implements programs including safe public interface with animals through facility rental, public programs, age-appropriate field trips, day camps and special programs. Programs may include topics associated with agriculture, nature, recreation, conservation, and education.

· Reviews and is familiar with program material and lesson plans. Ensures that program

materials are present and in good condition. Conducts research as necessary for programs. Learns specific park site information in order to present factual content during programs.

· Assists with procurement, daily care, and health maintenance of animals, and maintains accurate records of such actions and other related information.

• Assists and participates in the development and maintenance of historic, herb,

vegetable, field crop, and demonstration gardens, and compost areas. Recommends

and applies fertilizer, herbicides, and or other chemicals.

· Coordinates requests for marketing materials. Contributes content for promotional materials, press releases, program guides, and social media.

· Trains, schedules, and coordinates volunteers seasonal and intermittent staff as assigned. Functionally supervises volunteers and occasionally coordinates other employees.

· Maintains accurate records of tasks performed and the cost of supplies and labor associated with those tasks. Purchases supplies and materials as authorized.

· Works within MetroParks’ cost recovery structure.

· Uses proper personal protective equipment, follows safety protocols, and uses tools and equipment appropriately to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Immediately reports safety concerns.

· Regularly uses a variety of hand and power tools.

· Operates licensed and non-licensed motor vehicles.

· Assists with programming and special events as assigned.

· Maintains accurate records of tasks performed including but not limited to time sheets, vehicle mileage, equipment usage, credit card reconciliation, etc.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Provides positive interaction, creates connections and values teamwork with staff at all levels.

· Understands the importance of community collaboration and actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

· Strives to seek opportunities and has a willingness to bring ideas forward.

· Ability to consistently provide positive and unique experiences for guests.

· Understands and provides good customer service and is welcoming to all members of the public and staff.

· Understands financial responsibility and has a commitment to being personally accountable for how work is performed.

· Ability to work unsupervised, to organize and coordinate, to prioritize and self-initiate, and to manage tasks.

· Ability to effectively and appropriately deal with confidential information.

· Must be competent in the use of computer software, information technology and social media to create, promote and track participation at programs and events.

· A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and education programs. Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative, and helpful attitude with the public and other staff. Is familiar and stays current on MetroParks program offerings and basic park facility information.

· The position requires a high-level of dependability and a commitment to quality to ensure a positive park visitor/customer experience.

Required Education and Experience:

· Completed at least two (2) years of study at an accredited college or university with coursework in agriculture, biology, education, recreation, natural resources, park administration or a closely related field of study resulting in the award of an associate degree or higher; or at least two (2) years of intermittent programming or teaching experience as an employee or volunteer for a governmental or nonprofit park system, school, historical, conservation or similar organization.

· Candidates for the position shall have experience in animal husbandry that includes small farm animals and poultry, as well as experience with best gardening, landscaping and/or field cropping practices.

· Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey interpretive information and educational program content both orally and in written form to groups of different ages, special populations, and backgrounds in an interesting and effective manner.

· A valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record allowing insurability by the MetroParks’ vehicle insurance carrier. Employees may not have more than 4 total points (or equivalent penalty) on their driving record.

· Current basic first aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain this certification within six months of assumption of position.

· No history of felony convictions.

Work Environment & Schedule:

Employment in this position is part-time that requires availability for a flexible schedule that may involve evenings, weekends, and holidays. Position may require handling of approved program animals, use of farm equipment to assist with farm tasks, and using appropriate educational equipment and tools to convey program content, as necessary. Employees may occasionally supervise other assigned personnel, such as seasonal and/or intermittent workers, volunteers, or program participants. Ability to work in all outside weather conditions; wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold (below 32 F degrees) and extreme heat (above 90 F degrees). Ability to work around various outdoor contaminants, such as airborne and plant allergens. Some work assignments and tasks will require exposure to and work in inclement weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to move about consistently across various terrain and utilize equipment to care for farm animals or sit consistently during a shift. Employees may be required to consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. This position frequently communicates with guests and must be able to exchange accurate information. Employees may occasionally move up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.

The position functions and responsibilities are illustrative only and do not represent all the duties or tasks to be assigned or performed by an employee with this position title.

Alternates to the above qualifications may be acceptable as approved by the Executive Director.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.15 - $22.90 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 28 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $23