Program and Education Instructor

Overview

Title Program and Education Instructor Department Recreation Status Seasonal Work Location Atwood Environmental Center Reports To Program and Education Coordinator Wage $16/hour

Position Description Provides environmental education instruction and direct leadership to program participants visiting Atwood Nature Center.

• Provides environmental education instruction and direct leadership to program participants in various topics including, but not limited to, nature hikes, archery, river study, plants, teams/challenge course, predator/prey activities, outdoor living skills, regional history, reptile and Birds of Prey presentations, virtual programs, and site interpretation.
• Instructors are typically responsible for teaching a set number of participants in a small group for around 90 minutes per session with up to three sessions within a field trip day.
• Implements programs throughout the year including environmental education, camp programs, field trips, scout programs, family programs, off-site programs, recreation equipment rental, and special events.
• Ensure health and safety of visiting participants, teachers, parents, and co-workers; reporting any concerns or incidents to a supervisor.
• Assist in the maintenance and storage of program equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Participate in ongoing training.
• Provide quality customer service to all participants, teachers, parent volunteers, groups, guests and other District employees.
• Assist with special events for a broad range of participants.
• Perform preparation for activities including setup, displays, visual aids, etc. designed to enhance the participants’ experience.
• Assist with the supervision and setup of daily meals for participants following food service guidelines.
• Provide instruction for, supervise, and enforce participant safety procedures: tornado, fire drills, ordnance and behavioral policies, and others as required.
• Monitor the work area on a continual basis, identify and rectify potential problems or dangerous conditions and, when necessary, notify appropriate personnel for their correction.
• Provide quality customer service to all patrons, groups, guests and other District employees.
• Attend various District meetings and trainings as appropriate to keep informed of District events and activities.
• Maintain high standards for the implementation of sound safety practices and procedures.
• Support 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.
• 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.

• Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required.
• 18 years of age or older
• Availability for up to 3+ hours a week in shifts defined as no earlier than 7:00 am and no later than 10:00 pm

Education/Experience
Associate degree or equivalent coursework in Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education, Elementary Education, or a related field, or 1 - 3 years of experience in camps, outdoor education or similar preferred.

• 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:
• 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 travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Experience with computers, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Outlook, Communication Equipment,…