Program and Events Outdoor Educator

Summary: Develops, plans, schedules, and presents MetroParks of Butler County programs & events covering history, nature, and recreation. Works closely with the program and education team, throughout the park system. In coordination with staff, actively solicits and obtains donations, sponsorships and funding sources for events, programs, and projects.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities – Essential Functions:

• Plans and develops sustainable historic and environmental, age-appropriate programs. Organizes, schedules, and presents programs to school groups, day camps, community organizations, and the general public at park sites and other locations to maximize interest and attendance.
• Organizes, develops, budgets for, and implements MetroParks sponsored or co-sponsored mission-based special events, educational and recreational programming throughout the parks system.
• Reviews and is familiar with program material and lesson plans. Ensures that program materials are present and in good condition. Conducts research for programs. Learns specific park site information to present factual content during programs.
• Creates content for promotional materials and develops a marketing strategy for programs (such as press releases, flyers, posters, program guides and social media) in conjunction with the Director of Programming & Education.
• Accurately collects and deposits MetroParks program fees, donations, and sponsorship funds. Creates and keeps accurate financial records, program budgets, time, and work records. Composes and files written
• Coordinates and assists with special assignments, projects and special events.
• Trains and coordinates volunteers, part-time, seasonal, and intermittent staff as assigned. Functionally supervises volunteers and occasionally coordinates other employees.
• Responsible for obtaining permits, licensing, contract with providers, payments, purchase orders and other paperwork related to programming. Evaluates and contracts outside entertainment, contractual personnel, and vendors.
• Works within MetroParks’ cost recovery structure.
• Operates MetroParks licensed motor vehicles as assigned or personal vehicle as necessary to meet assigned responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Provides positive interaction, creates connections and values teamwork with staff at all levels.
• Understands the importance of community collaboration and actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Strives to seek opportunities and has a willingness to bring ideas forward.
• Ability to consistently provide positive and unique experiences for guests.
• Understands and provides good customer service and is welcoming to all members of the public and staff.
• Understands financial responsibility and has a commitment to being personally accountable for how work is performed.
• Ability to work unsupervised, to organize and coordinate, to prioritize and self-initiate, and to manage tasks.
• Ability to effectively and appropriately deal with confidential information.
• Must be competent in the use of computer software, information technology and social media to create, promote and track participation at programs and events.
• A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and education programs. Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative, and helpful attitude with the public and other staff. Is familiar and stays current on MetroParks program offerings and basic park facility information.
• The position requires a high-level of dependability and a commitment to quality to ensure a positive park visitor/customer experience.

Required Education and Experience:

• Completed at least two (2) years of study at an accredited college or university with coursework in outdoor recreation, recreation administration, history/nature interpretation or a closely related field of study resulting in the award of an associate degree or higher; or at least four (4) years of programming or teaching experience as an employee or volunteer for a park or preserve system, an educational institution, a historical conservation, or a similar organization.
• Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey interpretive information and educational program content both verbally and in written form to groups of different ages, special populations, and backgrounds in an interesting and effective manner.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record allowing insurability by the MetroParks’ vehicle insurance carrier. Employees may not have more than 4 total points (or equivalent penalty) on their driving record.
• Current basic first aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain this certification within six months of beginning position.
• No history of felony convictions.

Work Environment & Schedule:

This is a full-time position that requires availability on a flexible schedule that may involve evenings, weekends, and holidays. Position may require wearing historic period costume, handling approved program animals for demonstration purposes, hiking, and using appropriate educational equipment and tools to convey program content, as necessary. Employees may occasionally supervise other assigned personnel, such as seasonal and/or intermittent workers, volunteers or program participants. Ability to work in all outside weather conditions; wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold (below 32 F degrees) and extreme heat (above 90 F degrees). Ability to work around various outdoor contaminants, such as airborne and plant allergens. Some work assignments and tasks will require exposure to and work in inclement weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to move about consistently across various terrain or sit consistently during a shift. Employees may be required to consistently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. This position frequently communicates with guests and must be able to exchange accurate information. Employees may occasionally move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.

The position functions and responsibilities are illustrative only and do not represent all the duties or tasks to be assigned or performed by an employee with this position title.

Alternates to the above qualifications may be acceptable as approved by the Executive Director.