Seasonal Nature Center Education Assistants

position SUMMARY
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to announce that we are hiring for seasonal Nature Center education Assistants! We have multiple openings at five (5) Mecklenburg County facilities- Reedy Creek Nature Center, Eastway Regional Recreation Center, Stevens Creek Nature Center, McDowell Nature Center, and Quest at Latta Nature Preserve. The position duties and schedules will vary at each facility, but all candidates will support our Nature Preserves and Natural Resources staff in providing environmental education & outdoor recreation programming. We currently have 10-Month and 3-Month seasonal positions available. Exact start/end dates will be discussed during the interview process.  The selected candidates can expect to work a full-time schedule during the summer (35-40hrs/week) and a part-time schedule in the spring and fall (20-30hr/week). Some weekend and evening work will be required based on business needs.

We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities:

• Self-motivated and passionate about parks, recreation, and nature
• Flexible and team-oriented
• experience in environmental education or outdoor recreation programming
• Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Piedmont region of North Carolina

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 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
• Assist with the care and feeding of exhibit animals,
• Assist with operation of the nature center, gift shop, program registration, and facility maintenance
• 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 within Mecklenburg County
• Follow the work plan as prepared by the supervisor
• Respond to emergency situations