Recreation Arts Instructor, Education Naturalist - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

OPENING DATE: 01/29/2024

CLOSING DATE: 04/29/2024 AT 12:00AM MIDNIGHT

SALARY: $15.00 - $38.80 Hourly

CLASS DESCRIPTION

The Education Naturalist is a professional position with primary responsibility for developing, implementing, delivering, and arranging educational programs for Carrie Murray Nature Center in Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. This position reports to Parks Administrator/Director of Carrie Murray Nature Center.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Delivers or arranges for delivery of nature-based and place-based educational programs, both onsite and offsite, to children and adults:
• Maintains and expands upon current educational programs as appropriate o Recommends new programs, including those to be funded through regular operating stream and those requiring grant funding.
• Develops and implements recommended programs as approved.
• Markets educational programs, maximizing use of no-cost options.
• Interprets Nature Center and Gwynns Falls Leakin Parks to children and adults using generally accepted nature interpretation techniques.
• Leads or arranges for leadership of interpretive trail hikes on Nature Center property.
• Organizes and orders program materials & supplies as approved.
• Establishes annual and monthly program calendars for on-site educational programs.
• Tracks attendance at programs Community Relations.
• Develops and maintains positive linkages with schools, libraries, Board, committees, and other appropriate community constituents.
• Contributes to the development and operation of strong teams to enhance Nature Center programs and position.
• Distributes agency brochures throughout the target areas, recommending changes and/or reorder times.
• Participates in appropriate community events to promote Nature Center Administration & General.
• Staff’s office as assigned, performing telephone, public relations, and relevant office tasks in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepares monthly, annual, and other periodic reports analyzing and summarizing program attendance, successes, challenges, and other relevant information.
• Maximizes use of limited resources through donations, volunteers, and creativity
• Uses environmentally friendly materials, tools, and equipment whenever possible.
• Participates in marketing via social media.
• Supports all Nature Center activities, assisting as appropriate/assigned Volunteers.
• Assists Volunteer Coordinator in the training of volunteers, focusing on those delivering or assisting with programs, leading interpretive hikes, or providing property maintenance tasks.
• Engages volunteers in all aspects of program as appropriate.
• Organizes relevant program tasks for completion by volunteers.
• General Grounds Maintenance: mulching, weeding, weed whacking, trash pick-up.
• Cleaning and organization of outdoor spaces: compost area, aviary, outdoor classroom, fire circle, etc., gazebos, etc.
• General cleaning of indoor spaces: kitchen, animal room, bathrooms, lodge, hallways, office
• Support animal care naturalists by providing general animal care tasks: fluffing substrate, feeding, water changes, etc.
• Handle live animal ambassadors when leading programs for the public.
• While performing essential functions, the Education Naturalist is regularly required to walk, stand, see, speak, and hear; frequently required to hike, sit, reach, use hands to manipulate objects or tools, and work in all weather conditions; and often required are the abilities to lift, carry, bend, and stoop.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Must have completed at least 2 years of college

EXPERIENCE: Working with children, especially outdoors.

OR

EQUIVALENCIES: Have an equivalent 2 years of related work experience

CERTIFICATIONS: Certifications: Pediatric First Aid/CPR, can be obtained after hire

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to develop and implement dynamic educational programs.
• Ability to learn new approaches, philosophies, and best practices in environmental education.
• Ability to promote and respect diversity of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds and, physical and mental abilities.
• Possession of and ability to transmit enthusiasm about nature and education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem analysis and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build, develop, and maintain strong teams among a variety of constituents.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to think creatively, recommend and implement resourceful strategies.
• Facility with Microsoft Office Suite, e-mail, and standard office equipment
• Reliable transportation

BALTIMORE CITY AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER