Assistant Nature Interpreter

Job Description

Job Description

The Human Resources Department is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Nature Interpreter. Applications with proof of education, experience, and a driver's license will be accepted until August 15, 2025.

Employment Status: Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Experience Required: 2 years of verifiable work experience in the area of Nature Interpretation or six months of work experience at the Shelby Township Burgess Shadbush Nature Center.

Minimum Education Requirements: Associate's degree or 60 credit hours of coursework toward a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University with a major in Park Interpretation, Environmental Education, the Biological Sciences, or an equivalent area of study as determined by the General Employees' Civil Service Commission and the PRM Director.

Certification/Licensing: A valid Michigan driver's license

Direct Supervisor: Nature Center Coordinator, Department Head or Employee of Higher Classification

Supervisory Responsibility: None

People Supervised : Direct (0), Indirect (0)

Physical Requirements: Hearing and visual acuity, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to hike nature trails and uneven terrain, and traverse stairs while carrying equipment.

Primary Work Location: Public Building, Outdoors

Job Summary : Under the general direction, of the Nature Center Coordinator, develops and implements a nature interpretation program for the Shadbush Nature Center and River Bends Park.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to perform any or all of the following essential duties:

• Maintain a visible presence at the Burgess Shadbush Nature Center to answer patron questions and provide informational tours.
• Plans, researches, develops, and conducts materials and programs and workshops to educate all ages as to the historical, natural, wildlife, and scientific features of local region and environment they live in. Confers with other staff and volunteers to determine topics for programs and properly coach and train staff to ensure high quality programs and experiences for visitors. Develops educational materials including, but not limited to, educational slides, graphics, and videos, web-based and written materials.
• Directs the daily care and handling of nature center animal ambassadors,.
• Prepares and constructs exhibits both inside and around the Nature Center and other Shelby Township facilities to point out scientific, historic, and natural features of parks.
• Plan, organize, and direct activities of volunteers, and part-time or seasonal staff members.
• Oversee the educational materials and tools, craft supplies, and biological artifacts to ensure they are organized and in good working order.
• Oversee and administer the rental contracts for the Nature Center. Ascertain that all contracts are signed, filed and paid in full. Prepare reservation and program schedules and recommend staffing and supply needs to the Nature Center Coordinator.
• Perform related work as required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

An employee in this class must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge

Natural sciences, and the environment of Shelby Township and its surroundings.

Organizing and planning special events.

Customer and Public Service.

Skills

Public speaking.

Service orientation.

Time management.

Judgment and decision making.

Proficient in the basic use of computers and computer programs currently utilized by the Township for word processing, spreadsheets, and databases based on an evaluation examination as established by the Commission.

Abilities

Prioritize and schedule work effectively.

Self-motivated, dependable, punctual, and have an excellent work ethic.

Communicate effectively both in the written and verbal form.

Speak clearly and at appropriate levels according to the audience.

Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures.

Focus on the task at hand and not get distracted.

Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of field trips. Facility rentals, programs, and special events.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the Human Resources Department. The Charter Township of Shelby provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.