Instructor - Beyond the Bell - Tacoma Nature Center (Instructor II)

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $18.17.  

The current full hourly range for this position is $18.17 - $26.12.  

Join a dedicated team of nature educators in helping youth experience and learn about the natural world. Beyond the Bell Nature Clubs include a mix of classroom and outside time with curriculum provided while still allowing for creativity and individual areas of focus. Other programming opportunities might be available depending on experience and availability.

Work where you play!

Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.

Who We Are

Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Parks Tacoma's mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70 parks, 80 miles of trails, 1,000 acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.

Why You’ll Love it Here

Come work with us and work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home. 

Position Information 

Provide fun, informative and exciting classes or learning opportunities in assigned program area. 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

• Provide support to, and collaborate with, other department staff to assist with planning, preparing, and implementing programs. 
• Plan and prepare instruction materials or lesson plans or implement already established lesson plans.
• Instruct, and/or teach participants using excellent citizenship, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. 
• Assess and evaluate student progress and provide feedback.
• Provide each participant the opportunity to succeed and grow their skills through program opportunities. 
• Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment. 
• Track attendance reports as required. 
• Provide a positive attitude toward program participants and staff; encourage and serve as a positive role model. 
• Maintain communication with staff, participants, and/or parents/guardians as needed.
• Stay up to date on trends within assigned program area.
• Responsible for the designated site location program set-up and general clean-up.  
• Ensure program/facility rules, policies and procedures are followed; maintain and enforce safety standards and expectations. 
• Ensure proper use, care and storage of program equipment and supplies.  
• Plan, prepare and instruct and/or teach programs that require additional certifications, experience and/or education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• At least 18 years of age. 
• At least 2 years of related work, or volunteer experience related to the designated or assigned program area required. 
• At least 2 years of instructing experience desired.
• Depending on assigned program area, additional certifications or education may be required.
• Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record required. Instructors must be able to drive and provide their own vehicle to get to their various work locations.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification required.

• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of assigned recreation programs, activities, and services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety guidelines and practices.
• Skill in overseeing and instructing/teaching others.
• Ability to handle conflict and solve problems using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to navigate emergency situations.
• Work with diverse groups of people in a tactful, effective, and respectful manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the community and program participants.
• Follow instructions, both written and verbal.
• Ability to safely perform job tasks in a variety of park and non-park settings.

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors.
• Driving a district vehicle, and transporting patrons, is required for some positions.
• Work various schedules including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to frequent communication with district employees and customers. 
• Noise level is moderately loud. 
• Standing for long periods of time. 
• Walking, kneeling and/or crouching to demonstrating proper form. 
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds on occasion. 
• Ability to navigate emergency situations, including performing CPR.  

Salary : $18 - $26