(Full-Time) District Interpretive Services Supervisor

BARGAINING UNIT / LEVEL: Supervisory Bargaining Unit - Level 10
SALARY RANGE: $90,979 - $102,463 annually DOQ

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the immediate supervision of the Chief of Interpretive Services, work activities in this position primarily involve overseeing all interpretive and educational programming, staff, resources, and the daily operation at the district’s interpretive centers, ensuring visitors have engaging experiences. Creativity, initiative, enthusiasm, positive demeanor, confidentiality, and reliability are crucial to the success of this position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Works under the general direction of the Chief of Interpretive Services. Required to work independently and exercise judgment.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises full-time, provisional, and seasonal employees. 

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

• Supervise the daily operation of a museum and/or nature interpretive centers including scheduling of staff, volunteers and programming.  
• Oversee management of employees in assigned district to include hiring, training, annual performance appraisals and discipline in accordance with policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Develop, implement, and manage interpretive programs and events, ensuring they meet both community needs and departmental goals.
• Provide a diverse range of nature-based educational opportunities, including exhibits, lectures, field trips, nature studies and training workshops, tailoring presentations to diverse audiences.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current programs through surveys, feedback forms, and other methods; analyze data to identify areas for improvement and make recommendations for program changes.
• Continuously refine and improve programs to meet evolving audience needs and organizational goals.
• Collaborates across departments to ensure the delivery of content is culturally competent.
• Promote public interest and participation in interpretive programs through community partnerships and engagement.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of department goals and objectives.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration.
• Prepares necessary correspondence, records, and reports.
• Create stewardship opportunities; recruit and supervises volunteers.

• May serve on committees such as climate action plan or safety committee.
• May assist Park Operations with special events.
• May provide back-up for Chief of Interpretive Services.

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources management or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Applicants with 8 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or five (5) years of experience in Interpretation, education or related field.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to complete CIG certification within one year of employment and maintain certification.
• Experience in developing and delivering interpretive programs.
• Experience with program evaluation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program with an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion principles.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and lead interpretive programs, activities and staff.
• Ability to create bold and innovative natural science content and programs.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and contribute positively to a team environment.
• Ability to direct the development and redevelopment of interpretive centers and facilities, interpretive trails, exhibits, lecture programs and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to instruct interpreters to apply the fundamentals of natural and cultural history to an interpretive program.
• Ability to interact with and provide exceptional customer service to diverse audiences.
• Ability to show strong interpersonal and professional presentation skills including verbal, written, organization, project, and time management.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity and the ability to implement new initiatives.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, park visitors and other employees.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record. 
• 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 availability for nights and weekend programming as needed.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED: Carpenter and artistic tools, personal computer including data base, scheduling, spreadsheet, power point, and word processing software; calculator, copy & fax machines; phone, GPS unit, radios, automobile.

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 finger, handle, fee or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK EVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee generally performs work within an office or classroom environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Occasionally, the employee will be required to work in outdoor environments and will be subject to weather conditions to include heat, rain, and snow.