Howard County MD
Robinson Nature Center, Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD, USA
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This position is responsible for the supervision of education staff and the implementation of educational programs for schools, organizations and the general public. Manages and coordinates all aspects of specialized technology related to exhibits, planetarium and programming. Develops and implements the utilization of new technology for environmental and outdoor education. Facilitates special events, activities and programs that support the mission of the Robinson Nature Center. CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs advance level natural resource work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Oversees the County-wide forest mitigation program and administers contracts with growers and other contractual service providers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Environmental Education Management – Coordinates and directs education staff in the execution of environmentally themed programs for school, camp, public, family and adult groups.
Responsible for the development, execution and content of seasonal special events. Develops schedule and assigns staff.
Establishes program goals and schedules, reviews, evaluates and approves content and presentation of Nature Center programs to ensure programs fit with the mission, effectiveness and financial sustainability.
Ensures that programs meet the particular needs and interests of the community served by the Nature Center. This includes partnering with outside resources and organizations.
Conducts fiscal management including tracking program revenue and expenses.
Responsible for coordinating sensory-friendly/inclusion-based programming with the Department's therapeutics division. Researches, designs, implements and evaluates nature-based programs for individuals with special needs.
Provides direct leadership for camps. Attends department-wide camp meetings for supervisors, trains Center staff on policies and producers, updates camp forms, hires and trains seasonal camp counselors, performs camp inspections, writes text for the camp guide, assists in the coordination of "camp-day" and ensure camps are properly staffed. Carries out camp inspections and completes administrative paperwork.
Partners with teachers from the Howard County Public School System to develop field trip opportunities that are aligned with the school curriculum.
Conducts program and instructor observations and merges with participant comments for program review.
Plans and organizes programming opportunities for scout groups and troops.
Responsible for ensuring that programs are taught according to the curriculum developed and the mission of the RNC.
Oversees the program development, implementation, administration and evaluation for the following types of programs: Field Trips (Preschool/Elementary), Boy and Girl Scout, Birthday Party, Therapeutic/Inclusion, Planetarium.
Assists in the preparation of instructional materials relative to the interpretive activities as needed.
Program Manager of Technology and Media Operations – Oversees the operation, maintenance and integration of the Center's digital planetarium, Magic Planet digital projection globe, virtual reality goggles, GPS units, 3-D Sand Box and any additional acquired technology. Develops and implements strategies for the utilization of technology in programming.
Troubleshoots, maintains, and evaluates technology and media systems.
Coordinates, oversees and supervises contractors related to maintenance and repair of technology and media equipment.
Researches new technology to enhance the environmental experience at the Center.
Trains staff and volunteers on proper use of interpretative technology. Develops policies and procedures and maintains usage logs.
Works with staff and volunteers on the production of original in-house content.
Partners with the Howard County Public School System to develop field trip opportunities utilizing technology.
Participates in professional development opportunities including workshops and regional planetarium conferences.
Creates custom full-dome astronomy lessons utilizing photo editing and sound mixing software.
Keeps current with trends in the use of technology and interpretation.
Live Animal Interpretive Displays Manager– Directs staff in the care, management and maintenance of live animal interpretive displays.
Animal health and welfare.
Habitat creation and modifications.
Maintenance of cages and aquariums.
Animal care supply and materials acquisition.
Public Relations and Administration– Answers visitor's questions regarding Nature Center history, plants and animals. Writes articles for Center newsletter and other publications.
Assists with program marketing, outreach and communication
Writes program descriptions for program guides and field trip brochures
Assists in analyzing marketing data for program promotion and customer service
Public speaking to include community groups, local and regional committees relating to specialized program area, presentations at workshops and trainings. Also public speaking within the department and local community groups in a promotion or training format.
Maintains professional relationships with partner organizations and various state and federal agencies, as well as numerous environmental groups and organizations.
Responsible for notifying the Building and Grounds Assistant of safety.
Public relations; including answering telephones when needed, greeting visitors and answering questions.
Completes and reviews accident reports
Assists in maintaining CAPRA standards
Serves on committees as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises the education staff, comprised of 8 contingent employees. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.
Scheduling educators and ensuring that there are always enough present on any given day to cover programming needs; approving leave.
Trains, schedules and oversees the work of full-time employees that are associated with the delivery of school field trips and public programming
Prepares administrative paperwork.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor Degree and 1 year of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Bachelor's Degree or pursuing a degree in natural, life, or physical science or related field with specific coursework in botany, biology, resource management, zoology, wildlife management, forestry, conservation or education. Previous interpretive/naturalist experience (either paid or volunteer) preferred. Good knowledge of (1) natural, life or physical science; (2) environmental science; (3) principles and practices of interpreting natural history and culture to the public; (4) effective methods and techniques of supervision; (5) management principles applied to the planning and organizing of nature facility programs, services, and operations; (6) administrative processes and procedures; (7) effective methods and techniques of instruction; (8) natural resources management; (9) first aid; (10) outdoor and water safety; (11) Department policy and procedures. Good organizational skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Demonstrated experience in teaching children and adults in formal and informal settings, indoors and outdoors. Ability to effectively use prepared environmental education materials and equipment. Must have flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends as required. Computer skills especially in Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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. The work environment encountered with this position is a combination of both indoor environments consistent with working in an office, meeting/classroom and in outdoor interpretation. This would include activities in hot, cold, wet, rainy, snowy and other forms of inclement weather conditions. LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:
Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.
Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION:
This position is responsible for the supervision of education staff and the implementation of educational programs for schools, organizations and the general public. Manages and coordinates all aspects of specialized technology related to exhibits, planetarium and programming. Develops and implements the utilization of new technology for environmental and outdoor education. Facilitates special events, activities and programs that support the mission of the Robinson Nature Center. CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs advance level natural resource work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Oversees the County-wide forest mitigation program and administers contracts with growers and other contractual service providers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Environmental Education Management – Coordinates and directs education staff in the execution of environmentally themed programs for school, camp, public, family and adult groups.
Responsible for the development, execution and content of seasonal special events. Develops schedule and assigns staff.
Establishes program goals and schedules, reviews, evaluates and approves content and presentation of Nature Center programs to ensure programs fit with the mission, effectiveness and financial sustainability.
Ensures that programs meet the particular needs and interests of the community served by the Nature Center. This includes partnering with outside resources and organizations.
Conducts fiscal management including tracking program revenue and expenses.
Responsible for coordinating sensory-friendly/inclusion-based programming with the Department's therapeutics division. Researches, designs, implements and evaluates nature-based programs for individuals with special needs.
Provides direct leadership for camps. Attends department-wide camp meetings for supervisors, trains Center staff on policies and producers, updates camp forms, hires and trains seasonal camp counselors, performs camp inspections, writes text for the camp guide, assists in the coordination of "camp-day" and ensure camps are properly staffed. Carries out camp inspections and completes administrative paperwork.
Partners with teachers from the Howard County Public School System to develop field trip opportunities that are aligned with the school curriculum.
Conducts program and instructor observations and merges with participant comments for program review.
Plans and organizes programming opportunities for scout groups and troops.
Responsible for ensuring that programs are taught according to the curriculum developed and the mission of the RNC.
Oversees the program development, implementation, administration and evaluation for the following types of programs: Field Trips (Preschool/Elementary), Boy and Girl Scout, Birthday Party, Therapeutic/Inclusion, Planetarium.
Assists in the preparation of instructional materials relative to the interpretive activities as needed.
Program Manager of Technology and Media Operations – Oversees the operation, maintenance and integration of the Center's digital planetarium, Magic Planet digital projection globe, virtual reality goggles, GPS units, 3-D Sand Box and any additional acquired technology. Develops and implements strategies for the utilization of technology in programming.
Troubleshoots, maintains, and evaluates technology and media systems.
Coordinates, oversees and supervises contractors related to maintenance and repair of technology and media equipment.
Researches new technology to enhance the environmental experience at the Center.
Trains staff and volunteers on proper use of interpretative technology. Develops policies and procedures and maintains usage logs.
Works with staff and volunteers on the production of original in-house content.
Partners with the Howard County Public School System to develop field trip opportunities utilizing technology.
Participates in professional development opportunities including workshops and regional planetarium conferences.
Creates custom full-dome astronomy lessons utilizing photo editing and sound mixing software.
Keeps current with trends in the use of technology and interpretation.
Live Animal Interpretive Displays Manager– Directs staff in the care, management and maintenance of live animal interpretive displays.
Animal health and welfare.
Habitat creation and modifications.
Maintenance of cages and aquariums.
Animal care supply and materials acquisition.
Public Relations and Administration– Answers visitor's questions regarding Nature Center history, plants and animals. Writes articles for Center newsletter and other publications.
Assists with program marketing, outreach and communication
Writes program descriptions for program guides and field trip brochures
Assists in analyzing marketing data for program promotion and customer service
Public speaking to include community groups, local and regional committees relating to specialized program area, presentations at workshops and trainings. Also public speaking within the department and local community groups in a promotion or training format.
Maintains professional relationships with partner organizations and various state and federal agencies, as well as numerous environmental groups and organizations.
Responsible for notifying the Building and Grounds Assistant of safety.
Public relations; including answering telephones when needed, greeting visitors and answering questions.
Completes and reviews accident reports
Assists in maintaining CAPRA standards
Serves on committees as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises the education staff, comprised of 8 contingent employees. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.
Scheduling educators and ensuring that there are always enough present on any given day to cover programming needs; approving leave.
Trains, schedules and oversees the work of full-time employees that are associated with the delivery of school field trips and public programming
Prepares administrative paperwork.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor Degree and 1 year of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Bachelor's Degree or pursuing a degree in natural, life, or physical science or related field with specific coursework in botany, biology, resource management, zoology, wildlife management, forestry, conservation or education. Previous interpretive/naturalist experience (either paid or volunteer) preferred. Good knowledge of (1) natural, life or physical science; (2) environmental science; (3) principles and practices of interpreting natural history and culture to the public; (4) effective methods and techniques of supervision; (5) management principles applied to the planning and organizing of nature facility programs, services, and operations; (6) administrative processes and procedures; (7) effective methods and techniques of instruction; (8) natural resources management; (9) first aid; (10) outdoor and water safety; (11) Department policy and procedures. Good organizational skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Demonstrated experience in teaching children and adults in formal and informal settings, indoors and outdoors. Ability to effectively use prepared environmental education materials and equipment. Must have flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends as required. Computer skills especially in Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
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. The work environment encountered with this position is a combination of both indoor environments consistent with working in an office, meeting/classroom and in outdoor interpretation. This would include activities in hot, cold, wet, rainy, snowy and other forms of inclement weather conditions. LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS:
Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.
Remember to say you found this opportunity at EnvironmentalCareer.com
