Garden Program Specialist

Summary

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Garden Program Specialist to coordinate and deliver environmental education and nature-based programs and services at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary (Garden) and greater Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Additionally, this position works to promote programs; track program and visitor related data; and to support docent volunteers and part-time education staff. This is a .75 full-time equivalent (FTE) position, typically working weekdays, with occasional evenings and weekends April- December and more frequent weekend work assignments from January-March.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate and schedule diversified, year-round, nature-based environmental education programs and events for preschoolers, children, teens, families, and volunteers. Make program and activity adaptations for accessibility as needed.
• Train, support, and assist with scheduling front line staff including part-time, seasonal and youth workers.
• Assist Gardener Curator with volunteer training, support, and scheduling.
• Coordinate with the Loppet Foundation for winter programming December-March in greater Theodore Wirth Regional Park, including at the Trailhead building.
• Maintain up-to-date processes and procedures for the environmental education program at the Garden including overseeing daily operations.
• Oversee the equipment and material requirements for the Garden's environmental education programs and track inventory.
• Perform administrative functions relating to program management software, scheduling, fee collection, and associated activities.
• Assist with marketing efforts, including writing text for and creating hard copy flyers, information brochures and seasonal displays as well as developing materials for social media posts.
• Assist MPRB in identifying and addressing the park and recreation needs of underserved and under-represented communities.

What To Bring

Need to Have:

• Two (2) years’ coursework from an accredited college or university with a major in Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, Parks and Recreation Administration, or related field.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental education programming to a range of participants. At least two (2) years
• An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

• Experience coordinating and scheduling environmental education programming involving part-time and/or full-time staff time.
• Fluency in a second language.

• The physical ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, drive, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, see and perform repetitive motions.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as incumbents are subject to local travel both to and from work locations. Operating office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time.
• The incumbent may be required to traverse on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces to ascend and descend ladders to access work areas.
• Ability to perform basic outdoor recreational skills such as biking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and/or snowshoe at a beginner’s level.
• Working outdoors in a natural environment with exposure to extreme heat or cold.
• Work is performed in a normal office environment 30% to 50% of the time and 50% to 70% of the time is leading programs in the field, attending meetings, and gathering supplies. These percentages will vary by season.
• Will be required to work alternate work schedule including evenings and weekends and occasional holidays.

• Current principles and best practices of environmental education and nature-related programming.
• Cultural competence in engaging people from diverse communities.
• Coordinate, lead, and administer environmental education activities for enhanced service delivery.
• Lead, support, and evaluate work of part-time and seasonal employees and volunteers.
• Assist in evaluating programs, including performance data, to support improved program and service delivery.
• Provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.
• Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
• Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.

Additional Information

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Union Status: AFSCME 3279

Selection Process:

To apply for this full-time civil service position, applicants must complete an online application with supplemental questions at www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs. Late applications will be rejected.

What steps the selection process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (30%).
• We conduct a structured panel interview (oral exam) (70%).
• We calculate your civil service score based on the above components and place you on the eligible list if all testing components are passed (passing score for each component and as an overall score is 70.00 or above). Eligible list will expire in three (3) months.
• We refer the top finalists to the hiring manager for an interview.
• References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered. Past performance and discipline may be considered.
• We conduct a background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought.

Please note that HR reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to successive testing events.

The MPRB cares about the community and YOU! Here's how we show it.

For full-time benefited positions, the MPRB offers a competitive wage and benefits package including health care, dental, life and disability insurance as well as retirement and survivor benefits. Benefits are administered by the City of Minneapolis. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being.

Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page.

INSURANCE
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The MPRB offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Enhanced mental health services
MPRB employees and their family members covered by MPRB’s medical plan will each have access to up to 20 visits for mental health services covered at 100%. The enhanced mental health benefits will include the first 10 office visits, including evaluations and diagnostic and treatment services, and 10 intensive outpatient program visits per year per person with an in-network or out-of-network provider at no charge. After the 20 visits, regular plan benefits and coverage will apply.
Employees Assistance Program
All MPRB employees – whether covered or not by the MPRB’s employee medical plan – have access to the employee assistance program, which provides confidential services to help employees and their family members deal with a wide array of issues. Employees can speak virtually or in-person with an EAP representative.
Dental insurance
The MPRB offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance
The MPRB offers long-term disability insurance, which helps to replace income for employees who are unable to work as a result of illness or injury, and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

BENEFITS
Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, paid sick leave, and 12 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements.
Paid Parental Leave
MPRB employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
Retirement
MPRB employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

• Pension: The MPRB participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the MPRB both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
• Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).