Water Quality Education Program Specialist

Role Summary

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking a Water Quality Education Program Specialist to work in parks throughout Minneapolis doing the following:

• Coordinate MPRB participation at community and neighborhood events leading water quality education activities
• Create the schedule for water quality education programming each season
• Provide positive, outdoor, water-focused education programs in Minneapolis parks
• Coordinate, design, and teach water quality focused lessons for elementary aged youth
• Interact with members of the public while tabling in Minneapolis parks about water quality education topics
• Develop new water quality education programming and materials
• Provide direction and leadership to seasonal water quality education staff, modeling expectations to ensure that tasks are being completed, and programming is running successfully
• Communicate issues to Program Coordinator and use collaborative problem solving when reasonable to find resolution
• Complete program evaluations to log and collect data that will be used to determine program effectiveness
• Organize, prepare, and maintain quality of education materials
• Coordinate educational outreach efforts to local businesses
• Support canoe programming as an occasional Canoe Specialist or substitute leading programs
• Provide program support outside usual program assignment as needed
• Complete administrative tasks and additional duties as assigned

Required Skills & Abilities

• Maintain current Lifeguard certification or Wilderness Water Safety certification with First Aid/CPR certification
• Strong organizational, communication, public speaking, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse audiences in a public setting
• Training in hydrology, aquatic ecology, water resources science or management, or similar
• Working knowledge of Minnesota hydrology, nonpoint source pollution, and water quality issues
• Working knowledge of tabling education techniques and messaging
• Ability to engage the public with education topics during tabling and special events
• Must be able to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision
• Ability to work flexible schedule
• Ability to lift 30lbs, hike uneven terrain, and teach effectively in all weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle to haul program materials and drive between work assignment locations

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success teaching all ages in an outdoor setting, classroom, or event
• Previous experience giving public presentations
• Knowledge of interpretive display design
• Demonstrated experience working on canoe programming
• Ability to communicate fluently in a second language. Spanish, Hmong, or Somali preferred

Compensation

$26.50 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement when applicable. This position is eligible to receive sick and safe time per the Minneapolis City Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time and will earn one (1) hour of sick and safe leave for every thirty (30) hours worked. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Hours

This is a year-round part-time position with a variable schedule depending on the season. May through September (22 weeks) working up to 35 hours per week. October through April (30 weeks) working up to 24 hours per week. Hours include daytime and evenings typically Tues-Sat between 9am to 8pm with occasional shifts outside these days/hours. The exact schedule will vary depending on programming each week.

To Apply

Send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references to: EEjobapplications@minneapolisparks.org. Please put “Water Quality Specialist” in the subject line.

Applications will be evaluated as they are received, and interviews scheduled accordingly. Applicants will receive receipt of application via email. If no receipt of application is received within 48 hours of applying, please inquire with Lori Smiley LSmiley@minneapolisparks.org 612-313-7727

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is March 2, 2025.