Nature Center Coordinator

Title: Nature Center Coordinator (Part-time)

Reports To: SCPRA Director

Purpose: The Nature Center Coordinator is a professional position with primary responsibility for arranging, assisting, and coordinating on-site operations at Furnace Run Park (2244 Lindsay Lot Road).

Overview:
Join our team as a Parks & Recreation Nature Center Coordinator, where you will play a vital role in supporting the daily operations of our Parks and Recreation Authority. This part-time position offers an opportunity to contribute to the interest and hobbies of community residents at the newly designed Nature Center at Furnace Run Park. Its indoor and outdoor amenities will allow you to serve visitors prepared for adventure with nature education programming and exploration of our local landscape. You will work to aid in essential task for the smooth functioning of this parks and recreation facility.

Environment and Work Setting:
The Nature Center is a new state-of-the-art indoor facility located on a 226-acre property at Furnace Run Park in Southampton Township, Franklin County. The park consists of largely undeveloped landscape perfect for exploring the outdoors and nature related activities; including, a close proximity to Michaux State Forest and the Appalachian Trail. The Nature Center Coordinator will work within the building and be expected to venture outdoors occasionally. The assignment to this site will often be a work-alone condition while accommodating daily visitors, scheduled groups, volunteers, and other events.

Work Schedule:
This is a part-time position, of 24 hours per week, with a demand for flexible scheduling based on departmental needs at times of high frequency from users. Evening and weekend hours will be required to support visitors with rentals or those attending scheduled events or programs.

Responsibilities:

1. Facility Management and Property Support:

· Support the coordination of on-site rentals, meetings, programs, and events

· Maintain cleanliness of indoor rooms, common space, and exterior areas

· Prepare the space for activities and use by visitors, including groups

· Monitor and maintain inventory levels of building supplies.

· Collaborate with department staff to ensure functionality of park facilities.

2. Customer Service and Community Relations:

· Serve as a point of contact for park visitors, addressing inquiries and providing information about park facilities, programs, and services.

· Assist in resolving visitor concerns and issues in a professional and courteous manner.

· Provide details and answer inquiries about registrations, reservations, and general use.

· Assist in managing departmental correspondence, emails, and phone inquiries.

· Maintains positive linkage with community constituents to promote Nature Center

3. Program Assistance and Site Marketing:

· Work with department staff to create new ideas for facility usage

· Solicit groups to partake in hosting training sessions, meetings, and seminars

· Explore avenues for events to be held by schools, companies, and agencies

· Assist in scheduling and coordinating the use of park facilities, including meeting rooms, trails, and recreational outdoor spaces.

· Developing marketing materials, flyers, and newsletters to promote upcoming activities

4. Nature Coordination and Outdoor Research:

· Support activities through various wilderness related sources

· Serve as a reference on the park property, trail maps, and on-site outdoor features

· Assist in developing an experience designed for learning about wildlife and forestry

· Show passion for nature and an appreciation for passive recreation opportunities

· Uses nature interpretation techniques to engage children and adults

5. All other duties assign.

Qualifications and Skills:

· High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or coursework in outdoor recreation and/or environmental studies.

· Previous nature education training, include knowledge about native environments

· Passionate and enthusiasm for the outdoors, and desire for utilization of environmental resources

· Knowledge of parks and recreation principles, facilities, and programs is a plus.

· Familiarity with trends on conservation and environmental education is highly desirable

· Excellent communication and customer service skills.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience with software.

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to Joshua Mitchell at director@shippensburgparkandrec.org.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 24 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed
• Weekends only

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Shippensburg, PA 17257 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20