Program Aide - Animal Care ($16.40/Hour - $22.13/Hour)

Do you love nature and wildlife?  Inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts by becoming a part of H.A.R.D.’s Nature Program!  

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, known locally as “H.A.R.D.," is an independent special use district created to provide park and recreation services for over 309,000 residents. Our boundaries encompass a 100 square-mile area, which includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.

H.A.R.D. operates two nature centers that promote environmental awareness, stewardship, and a connection with nature. Currently, we are seeking a Program Aide to join our team! As a Program Aide, you will help maintain will help support our resident animals in their health and wellbeing and assist in animal handling and enrichment.

The ideal candidate is organized, outgoing and professional. This is an entry level position so training will be provided! Some experience handling and caring for animals and/or wildlife is a huge plus!

Here are the details about the positions: 

• Available Positions: 2
• Hourly Rate: $16.40/hour - $22.13/hour
• Work Schedule: 18 hours/week
• Typical Work hours: 8:30AM – 3:00PM, Weekdays and one Weekend day. Schedule may vary.
• Part-Time, Year-Round, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position 
• Work Location: Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center and Sulphur Creek Nature Center
• Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 – June 30)

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under supervision, assists with the implementation of all age appropriate curriculum and activities related to the daily operation of a District program site in order to ensure the safety and well-being of participants and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for assisting with supervision to participants enrolled in the program; implementing age appropriate curriculum; establishing and maintaining supportive relationships with public; and sanitization of program equipment. This class can be distinguished from the class of Program Instructor because incumbents in this class primarily serve as aides and do not have advanced education to perform work more independently.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Incumbents may not perform all duties. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with implementation of the daily curriculum and activities according to established program goals and guidelines
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment
• Assist with the supervision of the activities of participants and monitor behavioral patterns
• Assist with maintaining of accurate attendance and complete required records; maintain appropriate confidential records
• Assist with the managing of the storage and inventory of equipment and supplies
• Participate in meeting and training sessions
• Maintain good public relations
• At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The functions of this position are performed indoors and/or outdoors depending on season. Incumbents must wear an appropriate uniform with identification and protective equipment. The environment requires working in climate-controlled indoor environments as well as various weather conditions, including heat and sunshine when outdoors. Specialized aspects of the work environment may also include high noise levels, interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing safety and departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays and may have to travel between various locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have: hearing and speech adequate to communicate in person, by telephone, and to speak loudly in a noisy setting; vision adequate to clearly distinguish distance, color, depth perception and persons to identify signs of distress; bodily movement adequate to frequently sit, stand, walk, run, jump, climb, reach, turn, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, and push/pull; ability to raise arms above shoulder height; manual dexterity adequate to grasp objects, use fine manipulation, write and operate office machines and equipment; strength and endurance to perform medium to heavy physical work, perform lifting and carrying of items/persons up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Ability and Skill to:

• Work with adults, children and families participating in a variety of recreational activities
• Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies, and general safety practices related to activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies
• Administer first aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration
• Maintain discipline, order and safety in a crowded and loud environment
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Operate office equipment including computers, scanners, calculators, printers, and copiers
• Respond appropriately to changing situations and stressful conditions
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods used in organizing, conducting, and supervising program activities
• Basic youth/adult development principles
• Computer skills to include Microsoft Office
• Basic first aid and safety practices and procedures
• Customer service principles
• Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities

Education/Experience/Training:

• Previous experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified
• Possession of or ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within two-weeks of employment and ability to maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of employment

Special Requirements:

• Must be 16+ years old
• If 16-18 years of age and still in high school, must possess a valid work permit
• If 18 years of age or older, must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment
• Verification of ID and ability to work in the USA
• Ability to obtain Mandated Reporter Training Certification may be required
• Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended