Job Description

Job Title: Part Time Environmental Educator

Rate: $18.00

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:

Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is currently accepting applications for the position of Part Time Environmental Educator. The overall objective of the employee in this position is to provide environmental education and recreation programming for the County Parks system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

1. Prepares and presents environmental education and recreation programs to local and regional private and public schools, home schools, colleges, community- based organizations, teachers, and the general public.
2. Develops interpretive displays including exhibits, illustrated lectures, brochures, signs and other related materials at the Olewine Nature Center and throughout the park system.
3. Establishes and maintains liaison with all educational institutions including school districts, colleges, universities, service organizations, private/parochial schools, educators, and other educational resources and advocates.
4. Assists in the administration/management of the Dauphin County Park system with emphasis on Wildwood Park and the Olewine Nature Center building.
5. Recruits and trains volunteers and fosters active support by the general public for the facilities and environmental education.
6. Collaborates with volunteers, interns, staff and community groups; organizes and deploys same in projects of research, construction, presentation, preservation and upkeep of the parks.
7. Develops and prepares flyers, brochures, newsletter, etc. and other promotional materials as needed.
8. Participates in staff/planning meetings; attends prescribed conferences and instruction, as directed by proper authority.
9. Maintains programming attendance and Nature Center visitation reports; submits required reports as per Park Manager's request.
10. Works to protect and manage the natural resources of the parks and their surroundings.
11. Works a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as necessary.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Attends meetings, training, and in-services as required.
2. Presents programs as needed.
3. Performs other job-related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

1. Receives instruction/supervision from Park Manager in regard to daily work duties and special work projects.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

1. No direct supervision; provides instruction to staff and volunteers when directing programs and events.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works indoors in adequate workspace, lighting and temperatures, but with fluctuations in ventilation.
2. Works outdoors in seasonal weather conditions and exposure to outdoor dust/dirt, odors, gases, chemicals and traffic noise.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt and water.
4. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or disruptive behavior of general public with potential for personal physical harm.
5. Works a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as necessary.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2. Must possess ability to lead/direct volunteers in preservation, restoration and creation of various park projects.
3. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
4. Must be able to sit/stand/walk intermittently for long periods throughout the workday, with occasional periods of bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, driving, as needed to perform essential job duties.
5. Must be able to engage in medium work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of fifty pounds.
6. Must be able to physically and mentally react in the event of disturbance or physical outbreak.
7. Must be physically fit and be able to participate in various types of outdoor activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A.EDUCATION/TRAINING:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline field.

B.WORK EXPERIENCE:

1. 2 years’ experience in Environmental Education, Environmental Science and/or nature center administration or nature center operation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential functions of job.
2. Must possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Must possess initiative and problem-solving skills.
4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with co-workers and staff.
5. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and a willingness to travel as needed to carry out essential job duties.
6. Must possess ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
7. Must possess thorough knowledge of environmental education and nature interpretation.
8. Must possess a working knowledge of biology, ecology, zoology, botany, and geology.
9. Must possess knowledge of curriculum development, teaching methods and procedures.
10. Must possess ability to work effectively with volunteers, interested groups and the general public.
11. Must possess ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
12. Must possess ability to prepare budget and oversee expenditures.
13. Must possess ability to plan, direct and coordinate environmental education and nature interpretation activities.
14. Must possess ability to maintain required records and prepare reports as needed.
15. Must possess ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with general public, government officials, staff and others, and to promote public relations.
16. Must possess knowledge of basic first aid and CPR.

Please note: Having a prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. Each situation will be reviewed individually, considering the nature of the offense, its relevance to the position, and the time elapsed since the conviction.

Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.