Program & Events Outdoor Educator

Summary:  Develops, plans, schedules, and presents MetroParks of Butler County programs & events covering history, nature, and recreation. Works closely with the program and education team, throughout the park system. In coordination with staff, actively solicits and obtains donations, sponsorships and funding sources for events, programs, and projects.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities – Essential Functions:

• Plans and develops sustainable historic and environmental, age-appropriate programs. Organizes, schedules, and presents programs to school groups, day camps, community organizations and the general public at park sites and other locations to maximize interest and attendance as assigned.
• Organizes, develops budgets for, and implements MetorParks’ sponsored or co-sponsored mission-based special events, educational and recreational programming throughout the parks system including, but not limited to concerts, festivals, living history events and art shows.
• Manages costs and pursues financially viable, revenue-producing events by working with staff to seek and secure additional funding sources for events, projects, and programming from outside of the MetroParks’ general fund including pursuit of donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and gifts.
• Reviews and is familiar with program material and lesson plans. Ensures that program materials are present and in good condition.  Conducts research or supervises/delegates research needs as necessary for programs.  Learns specific park site information to present factual content during programs.
• Creates content for promotional materials and develops a marketing strategy for programs (such as press releases, flyers, posters, program guides and social media) in conjunction with the Director of Programming & Education.
• Accurately collects and deposits MetroParks program fees, donations, and sponsorship funds as per policy. Creates and keeps accurate financial records, program budgets, time, and work records.  Composes and files written reports as assigned.
• Coordinates and assists with special assignments, projects and special events as determined by supervisor.
• Trains, schedules, and coordinates volunteers, part-time, seasonal, and intermittent staff as assigned. Functionally supervises volunteers and occasionally coordinates other employees.
• Responsible for obtaining permits, licensing, contract with providers, payments, purchase orders and other paperwork related to programming. Evaluates and contracts outside entertainment, contractual personnel, and vendors.
• Works within MetroParks’ cost recovery structure.
• Operates MetroParks licensed motor vehicles as assigned or personal vehicle as necessary to meet assigned responsibilities.
• Attends staff meetings and training as scheduled.
• Follows all applicable MetroParks policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work unsupervised, to organize and coordinate, to prioritize and self-initiate, and to manage multiple administrative details and physical coordination of programs and events.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher.
• Ability to maintain confidentially on sensitive issues and non-public records.
• Ability to maintain positive communications with supervisor and between co-workers, sponsors/donors, clients, and other park personnel. Responds in a timely fashion to customer and staff e-mail and other communications.

Required Education and Experience:

• Completed at least two (2) years of study at an accredited college or university with coursework in outdoor recreation, recreation administration, history/nature interpretation or a closely related field of study resulting in the award of an associate degree or higher; or at least four (4) years of programming or teaching experience as an employee or volunteer for a park or preserve system, an educational institution, a historical conservation, or a similar organization.
• Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey interpretive information and educational program content both orally and in written form to groups of different ages, special populations, and backgrounds in an interesting and effective manner.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record allowing insurability by the MetroParks’ vehicle insurance carrier. Employees may not have more than 4 total points (or equivalent penalty) on their driving record.
• A genuine enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and education programs. Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative, and helpful attitude with the public and other staff.  Is familiar and stays current on MetroParks program offerings and basic park facility information.
• The position requires a high-level of dependability and a commitment to quality to ensure a positive park visitor/customer experience.
• Current basic first aid and CPR certification or the ability to obtain this certification within six months of assumption of position.
• No history of felony convictions.

Work Environment & Schedule:

This is a full-time position that requires availability on a flexible schedule that may involve evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Position may require wearing historic period costume, handling approved program animals for demonstration purposes, hiking, and using appropriate educational equipment and tools to convey program content as necessary.  Position requires effectively working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to use a computer and other office equipment.  The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position during much of their shift during some time periods. Employee may occasionally need to move equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.  Employee must have the ability to converse verbally with others in person and by telephone. Employee must be able to traverse natural or undeveloped surfaces in outdoor settings of moderate difficulty.

The ability to perform labor and the tasks noted above is required of this position as well as possession of the ability to effectively, efficiently, and safely complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

The position functions and responsibilities are illustrative only and do not represent all the duties or tasks to be assigned or performed by an employee with this position title.

Alternates to the above qualifications may be acceptable as approved by the Executive Director.