Park Interpreter Sheridan Grant Program

Part Time, Non-Exempt

Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open.

This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

$15.60 to 19.90

Position Summary:

Under the close supervision of the Park Manager of South Platte Park, this position is responsible for preparing materials and conducting public nature interpretation programs and camps for audiences of all ages. May assist with coordinating volunteers as assigned. The job may require shifts ranging from morning to evening hours, weekends and holidays.

Essential Duties:

• Prepares materials, and leads public nature interpretation programs which include a variety of cultural and natural history themes along the South Platte River, Bear Creek or other locations in and around Sheridan. Audiences are diverse and vary in age and group size.
• Continually develops and maintains extensive public contact and positive relationships with participants and the community by actively engaging with them and responding to their interests.
• Creates an atmosphere of hospitality and superior customer service to all participants through courteous, helpful services with a strong focus on participant safety.
• Assists with presenting to schools and other requested programs such as summer school-break camps, adult education, nature skills, family programming, and special events.
• May provide leadership and/or direction to volunteers as assigned.
• Ensure that rules and safety standards are followed and assist in emergencies such as evacuations, medical emergencies, suspicious behavior or activity, etc. Complete Accident/Incident reports.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Correct or inform supervisor of any hazards; communicate issues/complaints to supervisor as needed.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Attending school for a Degree in Interpretation or Environmental Communication, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Education, Communications or a related field from a regionally accredited College or University, or completion of a Bachelor’s Degree as such, is preferred.
• Three (3) months of experience in leading and conducting interpretive public programs and customer service.
• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Current certifications in AED/CPR and First Aid or the ability to obtain such certifications within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) is strongly preferred.
• This position is required to drive a District motor vehicle to various District facilities and events. Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or have the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Park Interpreters that are hired through the Sheridan Inspire Grant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age with a valid Colorado Driver License or have the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record in order to drive vehicles with program participants

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of ecological and wildlife principles or demonstrated ability to gain quickly.
• Skill in program development and delivery, or demonstrate developing skill.
• Ability to work with people of all ages including children, family groups, and adult audiences.
• Must have the ability to effectively communicate verbally; establish and maintain working relationships with employees and the public.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct nature programs/activities in a variety of terrain settings.
• Ability to find and capture insects and aquatic invertebrates.
• Ability to lead groups on hiking trails, canoeing, and other adventure travel, or demonstrate ability to learn.
• Ability to identify birds, tracks and mammals, tracks, astronomic and weather phenomena, or other naturalist skills, or demonstrate interest and ability to learn.
• Ability to read and interpret field guides and marketing information.

Material and Equipment Used:

This position regularly uses a telephone, computer, printer, fax, LCD projector, and other common office equipment. Occasionally requires the use of hand tools, power tools, park vehicles and trailers, 15-passenger van, bicycles, and canoes. Small animal handling and care required. This position also uses first-aid supplies and equipment.

Working Environment:

This position requires work in a variety of settings including working indoors and outdoors, daytime and night-time including in dark areas with variable weather conditions, ecosystems, landscape, and wildlife. Outdoor working environments can be wet, humid, extreme in temperature variations, and loud background noises. May also require biking, canoeing, wading, or swimming in moving water, and handling small animals. This position may have limited access to an office workspace, in a historic two-story building with stairs.

Physical Requirements:

The daily routine requires the ability to bend, stoop, reach, lift, kneel, carry, grasp, push and pull equipment, supplies and materials. Must be able to sit for extended periods, stand, walk/hike long distances, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, exhibit manual dexterity and the ability to handle objects and equipment. Must be able to push, pull or balance. Upper body strength is a requisite to lift/move up to 25 lbs. unassisted, and on occasion over 75 lbs. or more with assistance. May need to pick up small plants and animals. May operate a bicycle, motor vehicle and/or ATV. Vision requirements include: near acuity, far acuity, depth perception and color vision. Requires sense of smell and feeling. Must communicate clearly and effectively. Requires the ability to communicate both orally and in writing and execute oral and written instructions with understanding. Park programs are presented in English and possible some Spanish. Must have the ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

Employee Benefits & Perks atSouth Suburban

• FREE use of District fitness centers and swimming pools
• Discounts on recreation classes and golf (applicable to employees working 14 hours/week)
• Paid sick leave
• Opportunities for training and promotion from within
• Flexible schedules
• To view a complete listing of the District’s most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.
Experience and Skills:
From: South Suburban Parks and Recreation