Environmental Educator (3 positions)

~ Mecklenburg County was formed in 1762 from the western part of Anson County and the first official governmental action took place in February 1763. ~

The North Carolina State Constitution approved in 1868 gave the citizens of all counties the right to elect a Board of County Commissioners to govern them.

From 1868 to 1986, Mecklenburg County was governed by a five member board elected at-large. The first seven-member board took office in 1986 and in 1994, the first nine-member Board took office. Six members are elected by districts and three are ​elected at-large.

Elections for the Board are held in November of even-numbered years. The Board takes office on the first Monday in December following the November election. A chairman and vice chairman are elected at the Board's first meeting in December.

The Board's primary responsibilities are to adopt an annual budget, set a property tax rate and establish priorities to address the County's needs, especially in the areas of health, education, welfare and mental health.

Position Overview

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, a CAPRA accredited Gold Medal winning agency, is seeking a passionate creative individual to join our team of environmental education and outdoor recreation professionals. The successful candidate will develop and implement a diversity of hands-on environmental education and nature-based recreational programs for all ages.

This is an Education Educator position at Steven’s Creek Nature Center in Mint Hill, NC. Research, develop, schedule, and conduct a variety of environmental education/interpretive programs for school groups and the general public of all ages; work closely with seasonal naturalists and other staff to ensure program and facility coverage; assist with development and implementation of summer nature camps and special events; care for a variety of display and program native wildlife, including fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Must be able to work frequent evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position requires work in the outdoors in all weather conditions, often for extended periods of time. Will be exposed to biting insects, snakes and be in and around water on a regular basis.

Candidates should have past experience and strong skills with preschool and elementary-age students preferred; strong communication and organizational skills; able to manage multiple tasks concurrently, and adjust to seasonal changes in workload. Certified Interpretive Guide, NC EE Certification, or similar trainings and/or certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, and instructs environmental education programs for all ages and audiences.
• Assists with planning and implementation of teacher workshops, summer camps, and special events.
• Assists with designing thematic lesson plans and pre-and post- visit materials.
• Curates a variety of native animals including fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, establish feeding and maintenance schedules, and ensure adequate supplies are maintained.
• Assists with development of educational exhibits, interpretive brochures, and other educational materials.
• Assists with development of educational exhibits, interpretive brochures, and other educational materials.
• Assists with operation of the nature center, gift shop, program registration, and facility maintenance.
• Maintains program props, interpretive displays, native plant gardens, and demonstration compost areas.
• Works as part of an overall team of program staff at three nature centers within Mecklenburg County.
• Conducts educational programs including facility tours and field experiences in a variety of outdoor environments.
• Provides in-depth public educational programs and laboratory exercises.
• Maintains animal habitat in their area.
• Maintains general housekeeping in work area.
• Assists in coordinating efforts of part time employees and volunteers.
• Makes public presentations as necessary.
• Conducts summer camp programs, public lectures, outreach programs, and live animal programs both on and off-site.
• Follows the work plan as prepared by the supervisor.
• Assumes duties in the absence of the supervisor.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least one (1) year of experience in environmental education/interpretive program development and implementation.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, biological studies, education, communications, or a related field.
• Equivalent Experience for Education Accepted? N/A
• Licenses and Certifications: Position may require a valid North Carolina or South Carolina’s driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain a County Operators Permit.

Knowledge of:

• Educational programming and instruction.
• Instruction in area of specialist.

Skilled in:

• Applying classroom knowledge through hands-on activities.
• Developing and enforcing classroom rules and safety procedure.
• Managing multiple tasks concurrently.
• Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization.

Abilities:

• Initiating Action – Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; take action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
• Building Partnerships – Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals.
• Customer Service – Effectively meeting customer needs; building productive customer relationships; taking responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Time Management and follow through – Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Building Trust – Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Self-motivated and passionate about parks, recreation, and nature.
• Innovative with program development.
• Knowledgeable in interpretive principles and natural history.
• Flexible and team-oriented.
• Able to work evenings, holidays, and weekends as needed.
• Dedicated to outstanding customer service.
• Able to recognize an audience’s needs and adjust programs accordingly.
• Attentive to details.
• Motivated to build and maintain partnerships with other divisions and outside organizations.
• Willing and able to learn and participate in outdoor recreation programming, including canoe and kayak instruction.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

• To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume by 04/07/2019.