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Manager of Community Programs and Interpretation

Kent Conservation District
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MANAGER OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND INTERPRETATION

 

Location:         

DNREC- Division of Parks and Recreation                  

Auburn Valley State Park                                                   

3000 Creek Road

Hockessin, DE 19707

Salary:        $49,634.05

Deadline:    May 15, 2026  

                                                                                                       

This is not a State of Delaware merit position.  It is a one-year contractual position with the opportunity to work long term.

The New Castle Conservation District (NCCD), a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for the contractual services position of Manager of Community Programs and Interpretation with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Parks and Recreation – Auburn Valley State Park.

 

JOB SUMMARY

The selected candidate will report to the Park Superintendent and Chief of Interpretation and is responsible for the development of natural and cultural resource interpretive programs and related materials in Auburn Valley State Park.  Specifically, this position will develop and conduct public interpretive programs, school field trips, off-site outreach programs, and other events for the historical and natural resources located at Auburn Valley State Park with the intent of increasing the public’s awareness of these resources and cultivating a sense of stewardship for them.  The incumbent works closely with the Park's nonprofit Friends group, community groups, government agencies and other environmental organizations in the development of programs and activities to promote responsible stewardship of the water and land resources. 

The Manager of Community Programs and Interpretation will develop, implement, and present training, development, informational, and/or educational programs, courses, curricula, training resources, lesson plans, materials, and visual aids for staff and park visitors about the cultural and natural resources of the park.  Additionally, the position will evaluate the effectiveness of programs, courses, curricula, training resources, lesson plans, materials, and visual aids and modify to meet identified problems/needs, requirements, and agency goals/objectives.

The selected candidate will make recommendations for improvements based on findings such as new or modified courses, instructional methods, materials, equipment, and resources. The position will provide technical guidance, advice, and direction on training and education matters and will promote the use of related services and resources.

They will identify, analyze, and provide recommendations of interpretive need for the public, school groups, and staffing training and education needs through interviews, surveys, and meetings with supervisors, management, administrators, officials, clients, the public, and similar.  

The position will coach others and provide feedback that fosters learning, understanding or improved performance.  Additional responsibilities will include preparing and maintaining records and reports such as course schedules, rosters, training updates, or records of participation.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions and are not intended

to be an exhaustive list of all job duties.

 

  • Coordinate the development and delivery of natural, historic, and cultural interpretive programs, including school, public, and outreach programs, events, online interpretive sites/programs, and recreational programs for Auburn Valley State Park. 
  • Coordinate and work with project area leads in the development of interpretive content, exhibits and programs in current and future sites and projects including development of an Interpretive Plan for the Marshall Brothers Paper Mill.
  • Manage and supervise public use of the Auburn Heights Mansion and grounds for tours, gatherings, and events. 
  • Collaborating with the Park Superintendent, provide park leadership working to identify repair and maintenance needs of the mansion and grounds. 
  • Oversight and management of the museum collections, coordination with central office collections staff, and oversight of associated staff.
  • Train, supervise and evaluate seasonal interpretive staff and interns.
  • Develop and support partnerships with Friends of Auburn Heights and local community organizations.
  • Work with park management to create wetland education, natural resource programming, and work with the volunteer manager to coordinate the annual Red Clay Creek Cleanup.
  • Work with the volunteer manager to develop and support volunteerism in the park, coordinating the mansion’s docent volunteer team and working with the park’s Friends group. 
  • 37.5 hour work week schedule;  Weekends and holidays required. 

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must have the following:

  1. At least one year experience presenting training or education courses using a variety of training methods such as lecture, e-training, structured exercises, role play or group discussion as well as the use of training materials such as overheads, PowerPoint, handouts, or videos.
  2. Six months’ experience preparing and developing training or education courses, including designing learning objectives, curricula, and materials.
  3. Six months’ experience developing and analyzing training needs assessments at the individual, job, or organizational level. 
  4. Six months’ experience working in natural resources, parks, historic sites, or recreation. 
  5. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  1. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  The Conservation District participates in the Federal E-Verify system to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  The Conservation District shall require verification of identity, validating you are lawfully permitted to work in the United States beyond a temporary period without employment-based sponsorship.
  2. The Conservation District does not provide sponsorship for holders of H-1B Visas.
  3. Direct Deposit of paychecks is required of all new employees.
  4. Possession of a valid Driver’s License is required (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified from driving.)
  5. Criminal Background Check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The applicant may be required to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. 
  6. 37.5 hour work week schedule;  Weekends and holidays required. 

 

 

BENEFITS

The New Castle Conservation District offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:  37.5-hour work week, 9.5 hours per month of accrued vacation leave and 9.5 hours per month of accrued sick leave (prorated the first month of employment), and 12 paid holidays per year (holidays and floating holidays follow the State of Delaware schedule.)  Health insurance and 401(k) are also included in the benefits package.

 

The New Castle Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and 

values a diverse workforce.

 

TO APPLY

Please email 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, and 3) New Castle Conservation District Employment Application to:

Jamie L. Willey, MBA

DNREC District HR Manager

Jamie.L.Willey@delaware.gov

(302) 608-5478

New Castle Employment Application may be downloaded from the Kent Conservation District Job Opportunities website: KCD Website  www.kentcd.org