(Part-Time) Interpreter - Nature Center

PAY RATE : $16.17 - $18.80/hour DOQ (Up to 1,500 hour per year).

Eligible part-time employees will receive up to a $5.75 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Click  here for details.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the direction of the District Interpretive Services Supervisor, this year-round, part time Interpreter position seeks to present a variety of interpretive programs to school groups of all levels, families, community groups and other members of the public, to share the rich natural and cultural history of Southeast Michigan at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Work responsibilities in this position involve planning, preparing, and presenting talks, demonstrations, and promoting public interest in the appreciation of natural, historical and cultural resources. This position performs a variety of professional and technical duties related to interpretive programs and operation of nature centers, farms, and museums for assigned district. This position is part-time up to 1500 hours per year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employees shall perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop and conduct interpretive presentations to students, families, summer camps, and the general public.
• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity.
• Work a varied schedule, work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, am or pm shifts, and in any type of weather.
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send out correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics.
• Create and maintain necessary reports and paperwork.
• Market programs as needed.
• Welcome and interact with casual park visitors and answer inquiries in person and via telephone, e-mail, and social media.
• Maintenance of indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed.
• May serve on committees.
• May assist with special events.
• The list above is intended to describe the general nature of duties only.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree from accredited college within nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources management or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Progressively responsible experience in interpretation, education or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the job may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors and other employees.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
• Ability to use technical lab and data collection equipment.
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed and if necessary.
• Will be required to work assigned Special Events, Weekends, Evenings and Holidays.
• Will be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Knowledge of and ability to design science education programs that support the specific grade level content expectations and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to complete CIG certification within one year.
• Knowledge of and ability to collect ecosystem data using technical equipment.
• Ability to speak effectively before large groups.
• Ability to operate listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public, outside agencies and employees.
• Must be able to demonstrate creativity and the ability to implement new initiatives.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED: Personal computer including data base, scheduling, publishing, spreadsheet, power point, and word processing software; calculator, copy & fax machines; phone, GPS unit, radios, automobile and Mobile Learning Center Van.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee generally performs work in an inside environment. Occasionally, the employee will be required to work in an outdoor environment, where weather conditions include heat, rain, and snow.