Description

Job Purpose:
The Nature & Adventure Program Instructor is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and implementing a variety of programs for adults and youth ages 2 - 99 program content varies. Instructors are required to act as a role model to small and large groups of youth during a variety of activities; ensuring the environment is positive, encouraging, respectful, and fun for all participants. A high priority is placed on communication, organization, and risk management with this position.

Essential Functions:

• Act as a leader and foster a community with open and frequent communication.
• Directly supervise children and ensure that they are actively engaged, safe, and having fun.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents.
• Actively participate in all trainings, meetings, and workshops.
• Maintain attendance records and general forms needed to operate the facility in compliance with Park District standards.

• Adapt teaching methods, schedule, and environment to meet varying needs, program objectives, interests, and learning styles.

• Develop, implement, and lead lessons/activities that promote age-appropriate growth, teach nature-based skills and knowledge, and/or provide memorable and safe adventure experiences.
• Track registration numbers, purchases on Procurement Card, and supply costs to ensure program stays within budget.
• Act as an environmental role model for participants by following Leave No Trace principles, proper waste disposal measures, and other environmentally-friendly actions.
• Keep program supplies, equipment, and facility space clean, organized, and safe.
• Redirect participant behavior when necessary, enforce park district rules, and make sound decisions in order to secure the safety and well-being of all participants, staff, facilities, and equipment.
• Work effectively with internal and external customers, recognize diverse opinions and needs, and maintain a positive working relationship with all employees.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all general departmental specific safety rules; obey and enforce the regulations and procedures established by the Park District and program description.
• Assist in the care of ambassador animals that are a part of the educational programming collection.

Additional Functions:

• Assist when needed with special projects, programs, or events.

Knowledge, Skill, and Work Experience Required:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED; college coursework in environmental science, ecology, recreation, education, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with children and leading a group of youth.
• Experience in planning and implementing daily lesson plans, outreach programs, and/or interpretive programs.
• Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office and able to learn computer software as needed.
• Flexibility to assist with the physical set up and take down of programs.
• Must have the ability to solve problems as they arise and be able to perform tasks with minimal or no supervision.
• Must be organized, responsible, professional, and able to coordinate a wide variety of activities each week.
• Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 3 months of employment. The District provides this training.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations:

• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, sitting on the floor, kneeling at child’s level, and hands-on interaction with participants during scheduled program hours.
• Assist in the set up and take down of program materials and equipment.
• In case of emergency be able to respond quickly and appropriately with children’s safety in mind.

• Activities are performed both indoors and outdoors.
• Environmental considerations can include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions and building construction such as noise.

• Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise manner
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to communicate and represent the Park District in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility.
• Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly and effectively.
• Must be comfortable working hands on with ambassador animals such reptiles and invertebrates.

Customers:

Internal: Employees of Park District.

External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups.

This job description is not designedto cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District of Oak Park is an equal opportunity employer!

Qualifications