Nature Program Coordinator Teacher

Summary

Under the direction of the Heller Nature Center Program Manager, the Nature Program Coordinator – Teacher is responsible for developing, coordinating, and conducting a wide variety of environmental education, interpretive and outdoor recreation programs at Heller Nature Center, Rosewood Interpretive Center, and other locations in the area. This position’s duties fluctuate seasonally with teaching and administrative work. The Nature Program Coordinator – Teacher additionally is responsible for planning and directing various nature summer camps and assisting with the oversight of the center’s apiary and beekeeping program.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Nature Program Coordinator – Teacher position is responsible for oversight of Part-time and Seasonal staff.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and conduct environmental education, interpretive, and outdoor recreation programs for school groups, scout groups, custom groups, and the public. 
• Coordinate and conduct teams course programs. 
• Develop and conduct birthday party programs, after school programs, and early childhood programs. 
• Budget, plan, and direct summer camp programs. 
• Plan, organize, and execute special events. 
• Check registration and send correspondence to patrons regarding programs. 
• Conduct classroom and program area setup and takedown, including table, chairs, and other equipment needed for room rentals. 
• Develop curriculum and seasonal brochure content. 
• Assist with management of beehives. 
• Enforce rules and proper usage of facility. 
• Assist in promotion of Nature Center events and programming. 
• Provide site supervision, greet public, answer phones, rent cross-country skis, and disseminate information as needed. 
• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate performance of assigned part-time and seasonal staff; monitor working hours and approve timecards. 
• Perform basic custodial duties as needed. 
• Perform administrative work as assigned. 
• Attend staff and planning meetings as required. 
• Conduct programs on weekends, holidays, and other times as required. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
   

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills/ Abilities: 

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn modern teaching and educational techniques and methods. 
• Enthusiasm, creativity, and aptitude for public program and environmental education work. 
• Demonstration of excellent interpersonal skills in interfacing with District staff, citizens, teachers, and students. 
• Public speaking required before a variety of audiences including community agencies/organizations, school personnel, students, volunteers, and the public; being sensitive to professional ethics gender, cultural diversity, and disabilities. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written to District staff, community members, and patrons. 
•  Ability to develop and implement a budget. 
• Ability to interpret and explain rules and policies relating to District programs. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and complete assignments effectively amidst interruptions, often with time requirements. 
•  Ability to operate a personal computer and related software. Demonstrate proficiency to prepare documents, spreadsheets, email, and timesheets. 
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions. 

Wage Range: $27.68-$30.29 per hour

Classification: Full-time, non-exempt

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasionally work at heights at Heller Nature Center team's course.

Benefits: Excellent benefit package including paid holidays and paid time off, health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending, a defined benefit pension plan (IMRF) and a voluntary deferred retirement plan, opportunities to get involved in recreational programs for free or reduced cost, and more.

The Park District of Highland Park is an equal opportunity employer.