POSITION GOAL:  Connect people to parks and foster deep connections between the public and our environment through the development, production, and presentation of high quality park programs, special events, experiences, and other formal/informal methods that exceed customer expectations and advance the goals of the department.

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly – Full time – Year-round - Nonexempt
Employer and employee contribute to Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.

COMPENSATION: $18.09 per hour.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Alternates to the following position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, communication, education, outdoor recreation or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Experience: Moderate level of experience in educational and public program development, production, and evaluation; moderate level of experience presenting public or educational programs and producing special events; at least five years in a teaching role preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• High level of creativity and innovation in the development and production of programs to meet visitor and community needs.
• Very organized with a high level of attention to detail and awareness of cost effectiveness.
• Knowledge of program and special event planning; demonstrated ability to research, write, plan and execute interpretive programs
• Computer skills in current technology; ability to learn and utilize new software and database programs.
• Ability to establish and sustain critical relationships both internally and externally through community partners, contractors and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of Northwest Ohio’s natural areas, flora, fauna, geology and local history; ability to interpret local natural habitats, animals and plants.
• Demonstrated ability to lead nature walks and educational tours.
• Ability to research and outline areas of interest to meet program needs.
• Ability to gather and analyze data to understand community needs and make programming decisions.
• Commitment to upholding high standards of quality and excellence in personal work product and Metroparks programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively and productively in a team environment.
• Willingness and ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to nature and the environment.
• Ability to drive a 14-passenger minibus and pickup truck towing a 25’ trailer (training provided).
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid/AED certification and NAI-CIG certification (National Association of Interpretation and Certified Interpretive Guide).
• Ability to successfully obtain facilitator status for at least two of the following: Project Wet, Project Learning Tree, Growing Up Wild, Project Wild/Wild Aquatic, Leopold Education Project, GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment).
• Moderate experience and knowledge of educational instruction, inquiry based learning, learning modalities, classroom management.
• Knowledge of Ohio Department of Education Standards and National Educational Standards and ability to write educational activities and curriculum aligned with standards.
• Ability to mentor and train others. Ability to work with special needs populations; adapting activities, programs and messages for an inclusion setting.

Behavioral Characteristics:
• Self-motivation and ability to work without direct supervision.
• Always treats people with respect and consideration without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, social or economic status, etc.
• Exhibits appropriate professional behavior.
• Demonstrated trust, honesty, responsibility and trustworthiness.
• Commitment to promoting innovation and supporting change.
• Ability to understand and follow directions.
• Ability to get along well with others and work as a part of a team.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain a positive, energetic attitude in the workplace.
• Willingness to learn and put to use new skills and knowledge.
• Commitment to fulfilling work responsibilities and assignments in a reliable and timely manner.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
• Workweek will include weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• 40 hours per week.
• Work location to be determined.
• May require business use of personal vehicle.
• Requires lifting and carrying up to 45 lb. without assistance and 90 lb. with assistance.
• Will work outdoors in most weather conditions.

REPORTS TO: Manager of Environmental Education

DIRECT REPORTS:     None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Write, prepare, produce, clean up, evaluate, and improve high quality park programs that exceed customer expectations.
• Ensure learning objectives are achieved and customer satisfaction expectations are exceeded through comprehensive program preparation and effective, high quality program presentation and interpretation of a wide variety of classes, workshops, tours, camps, outings, events, etc.
• Assist in developing school curriculum based on Ohio educational standards and providing relevant educational programming in the classroom, at cultural sites, and in the field.
• Provide service to the public, responding to questions, offering assistance, and providing information; handle reservation and program information requests.
• Create and execute effective continuing education opportunities for educators and program participants.
• Assist in developing Eco-tours and tourism attractions in partnership with similar local agencies, chambers of commerce, national park services, trip planners and others.
• Assist with production and management of the annual program calendar, assignment of program and event locations, determination of program fees and tracking program costs.
• Determine set up needs and ensure availability of equipment and supplies for programs and special events; make purchases as needed; perform set up and take down for programs.
• Determine presenters needed for programs and events (i.e. staff, volunteers, contractors), make recommendations and coordinate assignments with department manager.
• Develop year round Camp curriculum, training materials, handouts, activities
• Drive Metroparks vehicles including the Side Cut Explorer tram, minibus, trucks and vans including towing of a 25’ trailer.
• Evaluate departmental programs, ensuing that the program cycle and program standards are followed; audit programs and provide feedback to Program Team.
• Organize program logistics including facility bookings, transportation, program description input, lesson plans, presentations, equipment and material staging, etc.
• Plan and execute pop-up programs based on weather conditions or natural phenomena.
• Assist the division in raising revenues though core and expanded programs and grant opportunities.
• Provide and/or enter data required for park programming worksheets and apps, CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) and registration software.
• Analyze customer information and feedback; assist in tracking participation survey responses and division metrics, analyze customer information and feedback.
• Support public relations efforts and media relations for programs in coordination with the marketing department; assist with creation of televised and online educational messaging.
• Create and maintain meaningful partnerships and community relationships, promote requested programs, new program ideas, and collaboration opportunities; serve as liaison with neighborhood programming sites and organizations.
• Deliver approved messages for program promotions, introductions and closings.
• Work with Volunteer Services to develop volunteer programs and assignments, scheduling, training, and overseeing volunteer experiences to ensure high levels of volunteer satisfaction and retention.
• Prepare and conduct in-service training and knowledge sharing for staff members, seasonal employees and volunteers; mentor new programming staff members.
• Work cross-functionally and collaboratively with all Metroparks departments to coordinate support services for programs, projects and special events, contributing to the effective operation of the agency.
• Direct the work of and mentor programming staff, volunteers, interns and contract workers.
• Develop program content; prepare comprehensive program outlines for each program and special event; research and assist with development of program strategy, interpretive materials and programs to inform and educate the general public, connecting people to parks.
• Participate in professional development and evaluation to improve and deepen interpretive skills.  Conduct research to remain current on program practices, trends and skills.
• Other park-related duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED:  Computers and standard office equipment; audiovisual equipment; GPS, scientific instruments and data collection devices; cameras, basic hand and power tools, on-road and off-road park vehicles including minibus and vehicles with trailers; outdoor sports equipment, canoes and kayaks, fishing and archery gear; gardening equipment.

The Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer