Part Time) Farm Center Interpreter​/Teamster

PAY RATE: $16.17 - $18.80 per hour DOQ (Up to 1,400 hours per year)
Eligible part‑time employees will receive up to a $5.75 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Under the direction of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor, this year‑round, part‑time position performs a variety of duties related to conducting horse‑drawn hayrides and planning, preparing, and teaching agricultural programs. Responsibilities include presenting programs, caring for farm livestock, and promoting public interest in the facilities and activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general direction of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor. The position is largely independent and exercises judgment and discretion in completing duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct hayrides.
• Assist with animal care as necessary.
• Work with and care for a diverse range of large and small animals.
• Operate and maintain horse‑drawn vehicles, including harnessing equipment.
• Conduct educational programs for schools, private groups, and visiting patrons.
• Provide a safe environment for park visitors.
• Perform other farm maintenance chores (cleaning stalls, grooming, fence repair, etc.).
• Promote and maintain cooperative relationships with educational groups, park visitors, and employees.
• Work a varied schedule, including weekends, holidays, and any shift.
• Welcome and interact with visitors and answer inquiries in person, by telephone, e‑mail, and social media.
• Maintain indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance.
• Assist with special events as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – Interpreter/Teamster – P3

• Associate degree preferred from an accredited college in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, agriculture, animal science, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field. Applicants with 4 or more years of related service will receive credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements.
• Experience with livestock handling; draft horse experience preferred.
• Experience in interpretation, education, or a related field preferred.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to obtain a CIG certification within one year of hire and maintain thereafter.
• Ability to learn the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
• Ability to design science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
• Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including sandy, marshy, and wooded areas with uneven terrain.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Capability to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform essential duties.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Same responsibilities as Interpreter/Teamster – P3, with added administrative and marketing duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Perform all essential duties of the Interpreter/Teamster – P3.
• Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send correspondence, and arrange school/group visit logistics.
• Develop and conduct interpretive presentations to students, families, summer camps, and the general public.
• Create and maintain necessary reports and paperwork.
• Market programs as needed.
• May serve on committees.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – Interpreter/Teamster – P4

• Meet all the minimum qualifications of the Interpreter/Teamster – P3.
• Successful completion of the HCMA Teamster Training Program and Supervisor Authorization to operate at least one draft horse team for public hayrides.
• Experience in interpretation, education, or a related field.
• Knowledge of 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 NGSS and Michigan Science Standards.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer with database, scheduling, publishing,…