Parks and Natural Resources - Natural Resources Educator

MAJOR FUNCTION

Responsible staff position for coordination and implementation of the environmental educational program for Parks and Natural Resources Division’s Natural Areas Program. Plans and provides environmental education to both youth and adults with primary focus on youth. Assist with the management of the environmental education center, public outreach, and communication of land management activities with a focus on the natural resources of Polk County.

Coordinates activities with schools, public, volunteers, County staff, community partners, and related agencies on issues pertaining to environmental education and conservation Provides educational programs to school groups, conducts teacher training workshops and outreach programs. Assists the Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator with the preparation and implementation of grants. Assists with preparing and conducting presentations to enhance the knowledge of natural resources along with concepts of protection and conservation of these resources.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Oversees the environmental education component of Parks and Natural Resources Division.
• Works directly with Environmental Lands Stewardship Coordinator and staff on development of environmental educational programs and communications strategies that further the Natural Areas Program (NAP) goals.
• Plans, develops, interprets and implements educational programs involving natural resources education while incorporating science, technology, engineering and mathematics along with reading, writing, observation and inquiry critical thinking skills.
• Plans, coordinates and implements school group environmental education program.
• Develops and produces lesson plans on natural resources according to the approved education standards on the subject matter.
• Continually evaluate and improve environmental educational programming to ensure effective delivery to youth and adults.
• Creates and implements a rigorous evaluation program for effectiveness of educational and interpretative programs.
• Liaison with the school system including public schools, charter schools, home-school programs and other community organizations.
• Plans, prepares and conducts natural resources teacher/educator training programs.
• Prepares, coordinates and conducts presentations to organizations.
• Outreach program: coordinate and staff booth exhibit at special events to promote importance of the natural resources.
• Identifies funding sources and prepares grant applications. Coordinates with other agencies, organizations, groups and businesses to develop or enhance partnerships, identify funding sources, exchanging information and implementing environmental educational programs regarding the NAP.
• Coordinates special projects. Assists with the maintenance and daily operations of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center and Circle B Bar Reserve.
• Responsible for working with volunteers and interns. Assists with planning, developing and overseeing the tasks and projects of the volunteers, interns, and any staff Coordinates and leads volunteer workdays. Travels, as necessary, to site locations.
• Meets with the public, both in the office and in the field to explain the various aspects of the NAP.
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports (including annual reports) to County staff, other agency staff, students, teachers, consultants, and the public.
• Maintains the monthly event calendar coordinating events and sharing events with others.
• Assists educators and students with developing and implementing science fair projects.
• Plans, organizes and leads guided nature walks in the outdoors.
• Plans and guides tram nature/cultural tours.
• Assists in the management of environmental lands with special emphasis on Circle B Bar Reserve.
• Assists with design of exhibits, trail brochures, signs and other publications.
• Aids with implementing the nature-based recreation component of the management plans, including trail development, monitoring, and restoration projects.
• Serve as support staff for a rotating schedule at Polk’s Nature Discover Center.
• Perform outdoor field work in the heat and cold. Hike a three-mile trail on a daily basis. May involve exposure to chemicals, smoke, dust, heat, insects and weather.
Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories related to natural habitats.
• Education in natural/environmental resources.
• Knowledge and experience concerning environmental education programs.
• Familiarity with methods and philosophies of hands-on interactive learning.
• Knowledge of nature-based recreation (passive recreation).
• Ability to develop an atmosphere which is reflective of the hands-on interactive, multidisciplinary and interpretative environmental education program.
• Possess a collaborative leadership style.
• Knowledge of and experience in conducting evaluations on effectiveness of programs.
• Ability to demonstrate engagement, flexibility, and high levels of creativity; taking ownership to create a successful environmental education program as a whole.
• Positive attitude and ability to work with well with visitors, volunteers and staff.
• Ability to coordinate operations, planning and educating concurrently.
• Ability to manage varied projects.
• Ability to work independently and in workgroups as part of a team.
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Possess outstanding oral communication and writing skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate a personal computer using software as utilized by the work unit.
• Ability to become knowledgeable of County goals, procedures, practices, regulations, policies and ordinances.
• Ability to analyze, advise, assist and solve problems.
• Ability to use good judgment and make independent and collaborative decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials and the public.
• Ability to see, talk, walk, bend, stoop, sit, stand, climb steps and drive. Ability to work in the field under all types of conditions, including heat and rain. Ability to walk 3 miles daily. Ability to lift 40-50 pounds regularly and up to 80 pounds occasionally.
Ability to work flexible schedule.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college/university with a degree and have a minimum of four (4) years of Environmental Education experience. Must be able to utilize software and personal computer.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the accredited four-year college/university degree.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES