Seasonal Nature Center Educator Assistant- Reedy Creek Nature Center

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At Mecklenburg County, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We're counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident's fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county "will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE." The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of-the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.

POSITION SUMMARY

Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation is seeking a Temporary Nature Center Educator Assistant to join our team at Reedy Creek Nature Center! The incumbent will assist with facilitating environmental education and/or outdoor recreation programming, assist with nature center operations including customer service, care of ambassador/exhibit animals, upkeep of the grounds, and assist with additional special events as needed. This seasonal position will work a flexible schedule to include a combination of daytime hours, evenings and occasional weekends based upon business and facility needs. Exact start/end dates will be discussed during the interview process.

Facility Information: Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve offers a variety of educational programs for all ages and is open to our visitors 7 days a week. The nature center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom, a gift shop and the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies. In addition, the nature preserve consists of 900+ acres of natural habitats and over 10 miles of hiking trails.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don''t miss this opportunity to apply!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct and/or assist with developing environmental and historic education and interpretive programs for all ages and diverse audiences, including facility tours, curricular school programs, summer camp programs, public lectures, special events, outreach programs, live animal programs and field experiences in a variety of outdoor environments both on and off-site.
• Maintain program props, interpretive displays, native plant gardens, and demonstration compost areas
• Assist with planning and implementation of teacher workshops and special events
• Assist with development of educational exhibits, interpretive brochures, and other educational materials
• May assist with the care and feeding of exhibit animals,
• Assist with operation of the nature center, or historic site, gift shop, program registration, and facility maintenance
• May assist with Outdoor Recreation programming as needed
• Maintain general housekeeping in work area
• May coordinate volunteer efforts
• Work as part of an overall team of program staff at all nature centers and historic sites within Mecklenburg County
• Follow the work plan as prepared by the supervisor
• Respond to emergency situations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: None required

Education: Requires enrollment in, or completion of a bachelor''s degree in natural/environmental sciences, biology, botany, ecology, environmental education, education, social studies/civics or related field

Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted?: Yes

Licenses/Certifications: May require a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License and County Driving Privileges

Computer Skills: General knowledge of applicable computer programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Educational programming and instruction in assigned area

Skills:

• Managing multiple tasks concurrently
• Developing and enforcing classroom rules and safety procedure
• Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization

Abilities:

• Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one's area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals
• Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization
• Customer Service: Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
• Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; take action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive
• Time Management: Effectively managing one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works outdoors exposed to varying weather conditions

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.