Parks Programming Specialist

The purpose of this job is developing, implementing, and evaluating engaging recreational and educational programs for youth, families, and the community. This position facilitates a variety of programs, including nature-based education, field trips, camps, and general recreation activities across multiple parks, community centers, and public spaces.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Administrative policies and procedures of the County.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Current office practices and procedures.
• Computer software consistent for this position.
• Recreation programming, community engagement, and event planning best practices.

• Educational and interpretive techniques for youth and adult programming.

• Safety procedures and risk management for both indoor and outdoor activities.

• Marketing, public relations, and community outreach strategies.
  

Skill in:

• Organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Applying judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Planning and delivering engaging, hands-on programs for various age groups.

• Developing rapport with schools, organizations, and businesses.

• Public speaking and facilitating interactive presentations.

• Time management and multi-site program coordination.

• Basic budgeting and program evaluation techniques.
  

Ability to:

• Perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.
• Interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Adapt programs to diverse audiences, locations, and interests.

• Work independently and as part of a team to develop creative programming.

• Effectively communicate program details to the public in an engaging and accessible manner.

• Maintain accurate records and provide detailed program reports.

• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for programming.

• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within State and Federal statutes.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in various settings with periods of mobility and physical activity. The noise level in the work environment can vary.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS/ACTIVITIES:

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• May be subject to exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious and communicable diseases.
• Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions.
• Frequent use of phone handset and repetitive use of hand & fingers to operate office equipment, use computer keyboard & computer mouse and to perform other office tasks.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
  

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and is not a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may also be assigned job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1966 (Section 1981) and 1964 (Title VI, VII,) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Equal Pay Act (EPA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).

• One year of recreation programming or related experience.
  

• High School diploma or equivalent.
  

• First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• TN Naturalist Certification within 12 months of hire. (40 hours of coursework and 40 hours of volunteer work)
• Certified Interpretive Guide Certification within 12 months of hire. (32 hours of coursework and graded final presentation)
• Must have dependable transportation.

• A pre-employment criminal background check is required.
  

The purpose of this job is developing, implementing, and evaluating engaging recreational and educational programs for youth, families, and the community. This position facilitates a variety of programs, including nature-based education, field trips, camps, and general recreation activities across multiple parks, community centers, and public spaces.

GENERAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Designs and leads diverse recreational, educational, and community programs for all ages.

• Plans and oversees seasonal camps, after-school programs, arts & culture events, and special interest classes.

• Develops and facilitates field trips and group activities, ensuring engaging and educational experiences.

• Coordinates nature-based programs, including guided hikes, environmental education, and conservation-focused activities.

• Lead comprehensive project management efforts for all assigned programs, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, risk mitigation, and post-event evaluation.

• Serve as the primary project liaison for internal initiatives, ensuring clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and timely completion of deliverables.

• Cleans, straightens, and resets exhibits, animal enclosures, and public spaces throughout the day.

• Assists with building relationships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to increase program participation.

• Assists with planning and coordinating program schedules, locations, and materials across multiple parks.

• Supports special events and program promotion through outreach, flyer creation, and occasional community representation

• Attends regularly scheduled departmental and all-staff meetings, annual staff training day, and any additional mandatory meetings.

• Ensures safety procedures and risk management for indoor and outdoor activities.

• Maintains program equipment and supplies, ensuring proper use and storage.

• Assists with the installation and upkeep of temporary exhibits and program displays.

• Conducts set up and break down of all events and community room programs as needed.

• Tracks and evaluates program success using attendance data, surveys, and feedback.

• Assists with purchasing and associated reporting for programs and events.

• Maintains accurate records of program participation and operational procedures.

• Maintains electronic and paper filing and record systems to provide easy access to records and information; provides retention of records as required by Department and County policies.
• Other related work and special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for budget monitoring for implemented programs. Assists with grant research and writing.

COUNTY ORGANIZATION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents the Department and County to other County staff and members of the public.
• Provides quality customer service to individuals needing directions or assistance.
• Demonstrates the organization’s Core Values and adherence to the Ethics policy.
  

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

Works under general supervision on some office assignments but works independently performing recurring duties in accordance with established procedures. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.