Provide participants with an exceptional experience in outdoor recreation and to assist in developing lifelong leisure skills and appreciation for natural environments.
TitleLead Program and Education InstructorDepartmentRecreationStatusSeasonalWork LocationAtwood Environmental CenterReports ToProgram and Education CoordinatorWage$17/hourPosition DescriptionProvide participants with an exceptional experience in outdoor recreation and to assist in developing lifelong leisure skills and appreciation for natural environments.
ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.
RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.
ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned
* Provides instruction and direct leadership to program participants in various topics including, but not limited to, nature hikes, green technology, archery, river study, tropical plants, teams/challenge course, botany, predator/prey activities, fishing, outdoor living skills, reptile and Birds of Prey presentations, and site interpretation.
* Assists with programs throughout the year including environmental residential education, camp programs, field trips, scout programs, off-site programs, virtual programs, clinics, and special events.
* Provides instruction for, supervises, and enforces participant and team member safety procedures: tornado, fire drills, ordnance and behavioral policies, and others as required. (moved to top)
* Assists in training ORE seasonal instructors.
* Performs preparation for activities including setup, displays, visual aids, etc. designed to enhance the participants' experience.
* Assists with the supervision and set-up of daily meals for participants following food service guidelines.
* Assists in monitoring the Center/Park on a continual basis, identifying and rectifying when possible potential problems or potentially dangerous conditions and notifies appropriate personnel for their correction.
* Dispenses medications in accordance with the Rockford Park District Medication Policy and Procedures.
Responsible for project research, development and implementation/construction as assigned by Program Supervisors to aid in the updating of teaching materials, exhibits, and curriculum.
* Assists in ongoing development of ORE program curriculum.
* May serve as MOD (Manager on Duty) at the Snow Park and Atwood Center; overseeing facility and program operations, making program and snow course adjustments as needed to ensure fun and safe environment for participants and team members.
* Works with ORE team to conduct special events for a broad range of participants.
* Provides excellent customer service including initial contact, answering follow up questions, adjusting program schedule and activities, meal service, program delivery, etc.
* Assists with the general well-being of the Center's captive animals to include cleaning, feeding, general repairs, and up-keep of animal facilities.
* Maintains wild bird feeding stations throughout the winter/spring season.
* Maintains up-keep of building areas such as medication closet, basecamp/ office space, laundry, etc. throughout the winter/spring season.
* Assists in monitoring the Teams Course and program equipment to assure proper condition for use.
* Contributes to the development and execution of the Center's annual program and facility budget and operational plan.
* Assists other Park District departments as needed, such as support for Snow Sculpting, Pumpkin Fest, Golf Operations, special events at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, etc.
* Utilize the Rockford Park District's HRIS system for all HR and payroll-related requirements and to accurately clock in and out for all shifts.
Safety/Compliance
* Attends various District meetings as appropriate to keep informed of District events and activities.
* Maintains high standards for the implementation of sound safety practices and procedures.
* May assist in the development of program specific manuals and safety procedures for assigned programs.
* Supports the Park District's commitment to the health and safety of its employees and the welfare of the public by maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free workplace.
* Support the Park District's Affirmative Action Plan to provide people with recreational services and employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.
* Transports participants following appropriate safety and transportation guidelines when needed within the Atwood Park.
Education/Experience
Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education, Education or a related field is preferable. 1 to 3 years of experience in camps, outdoor education or similar occupation.
Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
* Must be available for up to 30 hours a week, year-round. Shifts may vary from no earlier than 7:00 am and no later than 10:00 pm
* Professional knowledge in principles and philosophy of sound environmental practices related to environmental education and outdoor recreation
* Work effectively with other District employees, partners, vendors, donors, and volunteers
* Ability to professionally network and publicly represent the district
* Have a team orientation approach when working with others
* Ability to teach curricula in a creative, enthusiastic, and educational manner to preschool, elementary, and middle school age children
* Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver's license
* Experience with computers, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Outlook, Communication Equipment, Basic Office Equipment, Cell Phone, Two-Way Radio
* Wide range of intellectual and practical problems; nonverbal symbolism; comprehend most abstruse concepts.
Specialized Courses and Training (May be obtained during employment)
* Archery Instructor
* Certified Interpretive Guide
* Growing Up Wild
* Teams Course
* Water Safety
* Basic 1st aid/CPR/AED infant/child/adult
* River's license
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
Medium work:
*

Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
* Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
* Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
* Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
* This position is primarily stationed outdoors; regular exposure to dirt, noise, and temperature and weather extremes.
* Ability to work under stressful conditions, and problem solve.
* Potential exposure to hazardous materials.