Porter County Parks Hiring Educator/Naturalist

To perform this position successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB SUMMARY
The Educator/Naturalist for Porter County Parks and Recreation is an ever evolving position, reflecting the seasons and development and expansion of Park owned properties. The role of the Naturalist changes from season to season and may consist of evening and weekend hours. Roles include, but are not limited to, working with school and public education programs and events, the farm program, camp, leadership programs and the challenge course.

Following the Porter County Parks and Recreation Master Plan priority and action schedule on education, the incumbent works with the Park’s staff to enhance the educational value of programs, festivals and events. The incumbent interacts with program participants, parents, teachers, leaders of visiting groups and must be outgoing, with a sincere and energetic desire to provide a quality and consistent experience and impact.

This position reports to the Program Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
In addition to consistent and reliable attendance, the following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Assist in developing, facilitating and documenting safe, effective programs, including:
   1. School educational programs that meet the current Indiana State Academic Standards;
   2. Public educational programs and events regarding the history, plants and animals found within the Porter County parks;
   3. Camp activities and programs that include nature and theme-based curriculum
   4. Leadership programs, including challenge course facilitation.
2. Lead engaging interactive and creative programs and experiences supporting all aspects of experiential programming as part of programs and camps.
3. Study, learn and memorize pre-designed program plans for field trips and public programs.
4. Assist in scheduling, planning and attending public events and festivals to represent the Porter County Parks and market its programs.
5. Keep well-written program plans, evaluations and reports on attendance and costs.
6. Actively support the farm education program and the general care of farm animals and their habitat to ensure their well-being. This may include, but is not limited to, feeding, grooming, medication administration, enrichment and companionship, cleaning and maintaining of animal pens/housing, recordkeeping, and contributions to all farm education programming.
7. Keeps the Program Director up-to-date on all programs, including scheduling, concerns and/or challenges and evaluation feedback.
8. Oversee, organize, clean and maintain park facilities, program property, equipment and materials as necessary.
9. Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings as required.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources or Sciences, Agriculture, Recreation, Education or a related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, which includes:

• Base knowledge of natural sciences, environmental principles, local flora and fauna, and livestock.
• Base knowledge of leadership programming, experiential education, and challenge course facilitation.
• Should be capable of using simple computer programs pertinent to position. Functional in Windows environment and able to use or learn to use Microsoft Office or equivalent as well as the ability to use other office equipment.

In addition, the successful candidate must have a valid Indiana driver’s license and a safe driving record as well as a current CPR and First Aid Certification.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To be successful in this position, the incumbent must:

• Have experience in developing, coordinating, facilitating, documenting and evaluating various programs and activities, including recreational events and experiential education, leadership programming and challenge course facilitation.
• Be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with other Departments, fellow employees and the public. This includes being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, age, cultural diversities and abilities;
• Must have the ability to accept and give high-quality feedback and to learn and accept new concepts and ideas.
• Be able to work collaboratively and inspire and motivate others.
• Have the ability to think independently, analyze situations accurately and decide on and take an effective course of action.
• Have the capacity to be flexible, improvise as needed and adapt to changing situations in an effective and positive manner.
• Have good time management skills.

WORK HOURS
Hours may vary according to seasonal programming and scheduled events. Incumbent must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires the ability to work outdoors and hike the various park areas. Work may require walking, standing, sitting, kneeling or crawling on various terrains in an outdoor setting with exposure to soiling of clothing or skin surface and possible inclement weather. The incumbent must be able to respond to emergency situations and/or those requiring first aid.

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