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Program Specialist

Lake Metroparks
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Program Specialist: Part-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $13.00 to $16.00 per hour

Pay Grade: PT | Starting rate is based on prior experience and education.

Location: Environmental Learning Center, Concord, OH 44077

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Lake Metroparks is seeking a part-time Program Specialist to plan, prepare, and deliver educational and recreational programs for K–12 students, families, organized groups, and the general public under the direction of the Outdoor Education Manager. Programs may include outdoor recreation skills, environmental education, natural history, and life science topics. This position supports summer camp programming, facility operations, rentals, and special events while representing Lake Metroparks in a professional, service-oriented manner. The successful candidate must be available to work a flexible part-time schedule of up to 28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed. During the summer season, hours may increase based on camp and program needs.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and/or Experience:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in recreation, environmental education, natural or physical science, education, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Experience working with and/or teaching children is required.

 

Certificates or Licenses:

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and remain insurable under the Park District’s liability policy.

 

Required Training: All Park District employees are required to complete and maintain mandatory training, which may include emergency communication, hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, sexual harassment prevention, workplace violence prevention, and fire prevention.

 

Other:

  • Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
  • Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to programs, camps, rentals, and special events.
  • Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plans, prepares, and presents educational and recreational programs for schools, youth groups, families, community groups, and the general public.
  • Assists with the development, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of summer camps, seasonal programs, and outdoor education activities.
  • Provides a safe, inclusive, and engaging program environment for participants of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
  • Prepares, organizes, transports, sets up, cleans, and properly stores program supplies, equipment, and materials.
  • Provides front desk, visitor service, and facility support at the Environmental Learning Center and other assigned Lake Metroparks locations as needed.
  • Serves as a room host or facility representative for rentals and programs at assigned facilities, including the Environmental Learning Center, Lakefront Lodge, and Painesville Township Park.
  • Assists with preparation, setup, staffing, and cleanup for special events, outreach activities, and public programs.
  • Monitors program areas and participant activity, communicates safety expectations, and reports concerns or incidents in accordance with Park District procedures.
  • Maintains positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants, parents, teachers, and community partners.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

☒ This position has no supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

 

Computer Expertise Required / Equipment Operated:

  • Proficient in computers, web-based programs, email, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office products.
  • Ability to use virtual meeting platforms, including Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams.
  • Ability to safely operate basic office equipment and light program-related tools and equipment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position requires the employee to have the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or behaviors that are required to succeed in performing the essential functions.

 

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of environmental education, outdoor recreation, natural history, and life science concepts appropriate for public programming.
  • Knowledge of age-appropriate instructional methods, group management techniques, and program facilitation practices.
  • Knowledge of basic safety practices related to outdoor programs, camp activities, public facilities, and participant supervision.
  • Knowledge of Lake Metroparks’ mission, customer service expectations, and general park rules and procedures.

 

Skills:

  • Effective verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Skill in engaging small and large groups in educational, recreational, and interpretive activities.
  • Skill in organizing materials, managing time, and adapting programs to meet participant needs.
  • Skill in providing courteous, professional customer service to visitors, participants, families, and community partners.
  • Skill in using standard office technology, registration systems, communication tools, and basic program equipment.

 

Abilities:

  • Ability to create interest and enthusiasm for Lake Metroparks programs, facilities, and natural resources.
  • Ability to interact with others using tact, courtesy, patience, and professionalism.
  • Ability to work independently, follow direction, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, respond appropriately to changing conditions, and follow established safety procedures.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced public service environment.
  • Ability to safely operate assigned vehicles, office equipment, and basic program-related tools and equipment.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands and fingers to handle program materials and equipment, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may frequently sit or stand for extended periods, walk on uneven or slippery surfaces, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and move throughout indoor and outdoor program areas, including classrooms, visitor service areas, trails, grass, gravel, docks, camp areas, and event sites. The employee must be able to set up, take down, lift, carry, push, or pull program supplies, tables, chairs, displays, camp materials, and related equipment up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally with assistance when appropriate. This position requires vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in both indoor and outdoor settings, including classrooms, visitor service areas, rental facilities, parks, trails, camp areas, and event locations. Outdoor work may occur in seasonal weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, wind, rain, snow, and other typical park conditions. Work may involve contact with the public, children, families, school groups, volunteers, wildlife, insects, plants, and natural materials. Noise levels vary from quiet office or classroom settings to moderate or loud conditions during programs, camps, rentals, and special events. The employee is expected to follow established safety procedures and use personal protective equipment when required.

 

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Potential hazards are generally associated with indoor and outdoor public programming and may include uneven or slippery walking surfaces, changing weather conditions, insects, wildlife, plants, water-adjacent areas, minor cuts or scrapes, lifting and moving program materials, vehicle travel between assigned locations, and exposure to cleaning products or other common facility materials when used in accordance with safety procedures. The employee must remain alert to participant safety, follow Park District policies and procedures, report unsafe conditions, and use required personal protective equipment when applicable.

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

The employee is expected to demonstrate a commitment to the mission, values, and service standards of Lake Metroparks; provide courteous and professional service to the public and coworkers; comply with applicable policies, procedures, and safety practices; and perform assigned duties in a manner that supports a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

 

BENEFITS

Lake Metroparks offers a benefits package for eligible part-time employees, including:

  • OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System)
  • Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership
  • Agency discounts
  • Additional benefits and perks may apply.

 

To Apply:

Apply online at https://www.lakemetroparks.com/about-us/job-opportunities/.