(Full-Time) Community Outreach Interpreter – Science Project Facilitator (SPF)

BARGAINING UNIT / LEVEL: Professional - Level 06/08
SALARY RANGE: $65,933 - $86,153 annually DOQ

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the direction of the Community Outreach Interpretive Services Supervisor, this Interpreter position seeks to gain awareness and a positive image for the Metroparks and the interpretive department as a community outreach facilitator. Work responsibilities in this position involves coordinating, facilitating, and conducting science programming in Detroit and Wayne County schools. Other Interpretive responsibilities may include 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. Creativity, initiative, enthusiasm, positive demeanor, confidentiality, and reliability are crucial to the success of this position.

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

• Responsible for the achievement of the goals associated with the HCMA and school partnership.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and/or conduct supplemental science sessions.
• Work with natural science partners to recruit speakers/presenters to provide hands-on, grade appropriate natural science activities.
• Coordinate, facilitate and/or conduct after school science club and related field trips.
• Interact/engage with parents, staff, students, teachers, and partners.
• Develop and manage all phases of assigned projects from project initiation to closure.
• Co-create curriculum instructional materials, assessments (qualitative and quantitative), resources, and guidance documents for science lessons. 
• Must be able to demonstrate innovative skills.
• Understanding of the myriad of relationships youth may have with the outdoors and outdoor programs based on class, race, and gender.
• Supervise program assistant(s).
• Participate in mandatory HCMA trainings.
• Promotes public interest and participation in interpretive programs through tasks, illustrated lectures, and dissemination of pertinent publicity.
• 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 and prepare 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.
• Assists in the preparation of budgets including requests and purchases of supplies and necessary equipment.

• May serve on committees.
• May assist with special events.

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in the field of interpretation, biology, earth and life sciences, environmental education, or related field preferred. 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.
• Formal or informal K-12 teaching experience required, with at least 3 years’ experience preferred.
• Experience working with classroom technology, including science and multi-media tools.
• Experience working with/in underrepresented communities.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to complete CIG certification within one year of employment and maintain certification.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion principles.
• 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.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures, filing and record management systems, computer applications such as word processing, data base programs and spreadsheets, and other office procedures.
• Ability to interact with and provide exceptional customer service to diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate verbally, and lead programs, tours and presentations.
• Ability to accept responsibility, to take initiative, to be adaptable and flexible, to notice details, to use sound judgment, and to work effectively as part of a team and orient toward solutions and innovation.
• Ability to address complaints and resolve concerns as needed.
• Ability to display leadership, dependability, patience and concern for others.
• Ability to traverse wetlands and various upland terrain to conduct programs and to gather biological specimens and data for exhibit, preservation and use in programming.
• 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.
• 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.

• Meets all the minimum qualifications of the Community Outreach Interpreter – Level 06.
• Ten years of related experience for level 08.