(Part-Time) Interpreter - Southern District Mobile Learning

PAY RATE: $14.30-16.85 per hour DOQ (up to 1,500 hours per year). 

Eligible part-time employees will receive up to a $3.00 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additionally, eligible seasonal employees will receive a $0.60 per hour seasonal bonus for all hours worked. Click here for details.  
 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the direction of the District Interpretive Services Supervisor, this year-round, part time Interpreter position seeks to gain awareness and a positive image for the Metroparks and the interpretive department as a District community outreach interpreter. Work responsibilities in this position involve planning, preparing, and presenting talks, demonstrations, promoting public interest in the appreciation of natural and cultural history and driving the Mobile Learning Center.  Establish and manage programs and initiatives supporting community outreach. Build and maintain long-term relationships with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of community relations strategies and activities.  This position performs a variety of professional and technical duties related to interpretive programs and operation of nature centers, farms, and museums for assigned district. This position is part-time not to exceed 1,200 hours per year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employees shall perform other duties as assigned.

• Promotes public interest and participation in interpretive programs through tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity.
• Develop and conduct presentations promoting the Metroparks and Interpretive Department.
• Implement a strategy for community engagement to include metrics to track effectiveness.
• Identify, develop, coordinate and enhance community outreach activities. Build awareness of the Metroparks and the interpretive department through outreach efforts to community organizations, businesses and schools.
• Provide timely and accurate records and reports of community outreach efforts.
• Build and sustain working relationships and communication with community associations; government agencies; non-profit organizations; schools and universities; and other institutions. Serve as a liaison with community and business groups to build relationships with the Metroparks.
• Prepare and assist the Mobile Learning Center for a variety of special events.
• Drive the Mobile Learning Center vehicles to assigned locations on a regular basis.
• Prepares necessary correspondence, records, and reports.
• May serve on committees.

The list above is intended to describe the general nature of duties only.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree from accredited college with in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources management or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Applicants with 4 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to complete CIG certification within one year.
• Experience in interpretation, education or a related field.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Knowledge of and ability to design science education programs that support the specific grade level content expectations and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors and other employees.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and the ability to implement new initiatives.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
• Ability to use artistic tools.
• May be assigned to work in other parks and districts as needed and if necessary.
• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

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 frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.