(Part-Time) Community Outreach Interpreter

PAY RATE : $16.17 - 22.25 per hour DOQ (up to 1,500 hours 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 Community Outreach Interpretive Services Supervisor, this year-round, part time Interpreter position engages the public and encourages participation in interpretive programs through activities, presentations, and publicity. Work responsibilities in this position involve planning, preparing, and presenting talks, demonstrations, promoting public interest in the appreciation of natural and cultural history and driving the Mobile Learning Center. Establish and manage programs and initiatives supporting community outreach. Build and maintain long-term relationships with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of community relations strategies and activities. 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 will be focused on supporting our early childhood and afterschool programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of the Community Outreach Interpretive Services Supervisor. Position works independently and exercises some judgment and discretion in completion of duties.

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

• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity
• Conduct a variety of interpretive programs and activities for diverse audiences promoting the Metroparks and the Interpretive Department.
• Assist in building relationships with community members, local organizations, schools, and businesses to promote Metropark programs and opportunities
• Assist with the planning, research, construction, and maintenance of interpretive exhibits, display panels, and other educational materials
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send out correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics
• Prepare and assist the Mobile Learning Center for a variety of special events.
• Drive the Mobile Learning Center vehicles to assigned locations on a regular basis.
• May serve on committees.

The list above is intended to describe the general nature of duties only.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree from accredited college in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, natural resources management or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Applicants with 4 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
• Experience in interpretation, education or a related field.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to obtain a CIG certification within one year of hire and maintain thereafter.
• Ability to learn the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Ability to use lesson plans to deliver science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors and other employees.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and implement new initiatives.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
• Ability to use artistic tools.
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed and if necessary.
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

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.