Nature Center Instructor

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt, Part Time

Salary Range: $13-$15/hr

Reports to: Nature Center Superintendent

Date: January 2024

Summary

The Instructor position is part-time, but all year round. This position is in charge of leading programs, summer camps, and field trips that cover various nature and historical topics, which could be done independently or with other instructors. Creating and implementing new ideas is important for this position as well. Flexibility and a willingness to work with others is key.

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

• Work with children of all age ranges and adults
• Hike trails with students in all types of weather
• Create curriculum for new field trips, summer camps, programs
• Research history and nature topics for programs
• Must have demonstrated knowledge of plants, trees, and animals
• Represent the Nature Center for public relations
• Plan, organize, participate in all special events
• Design and install displays in the Nature Center
• Must be willing to work some weekends and potential overnight programs
• Attend all Nature Center meetings
• Must be comfortable handling and talking about a variety of reptiles, amphibians, insects and other animals

Hours

Part time, approximately 10-35 hours per week. May include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Supervisory responsibilities

Children in the program

Work environment

Employee’s general work area indoors is a smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Employee may be required to work outdoors during various weather conditions, including, but not limited to, cold, heat, snow, wind, rain, etc. Outdoor environment includes a wooded area with uneven walking surfaces.

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.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; bend; kneel; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear; taste and smell; and carry materials. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must have experience with education in a formal and/or informal setting and have an appreciation for the idea of children learning through nature.
• Must be comfortable with and able to hike for up to 4 hours a day with students outside in ALL weather conditions.
• Customer service experience is important.
• Spanish speaker is a plus.
• Must be prompt, responsible, friendly, works well with other teachers, parents of students, etc.
• CPR and AED certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

The Joliet Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.