Outdoor Educator - Part-Time

Opportunities with Wheaton Park District

Responsible for the preparation and presentation of outdoor education programs at the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area and traveling outreach programs.

Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Progress towards a bachelor’s degree with a preference in Environmental Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation, or other Education field preferred. Experience and knowledge presenting programs to diverse audiences ranging in age from 18 months through adults in classroom and/or informal settings is preferred. A working knowledge of parks and recreation field as well as local flora and fauna is preferred.

Must have strong problem‑solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

• Prepare and present outdoor education programs that include but are not limited to topics such as science, nature, team building, and other programs as assigned.
• Maintain, organize, and inventory program equipment.
• Supervise and enforce rules and regulations with program participants.
• Record and maintain program attendance rosters, inspection logs, and pre‑ and post‑reports.
• Report repairs and maintenance needs of program areas, equipment, and grounds in a timely manner.
• Transport equipment and travel to program sites at various institutions and facilities.
• Effectively communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and program participants in a timely manner.
• Administer site‑specific first aid and CPR procedures.
• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
• Provide a high quality of customer service in a professional manner to the internal customer to facilitate team building and exceptional customer service to the external customer.
• Follow the Lincoln Marsh and Wheaton Park District policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Proactively support the V.A.L.U.E.S. (integrity, fun, commitment, adaptability and growth, kindness, and service) on a daily basis.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; be CPR/AED certified or obtain certification within one year of employment; be a mandated reporter for the “Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act”; and meet the requirements for site‑specific challenge course certifications (training provided).

Must be able to frequently remain in a stationary position for long periods while presenting programs indoors and outdoors; frequently move about the building and on natural uneven ground; position oneself to interact with participants and occasionally grasp and handle small animals; move objects such as water buckets, program bins, and supplies weighing up to 30 lb (rarely 50 lb, and over 50 lb with assistance);

occasionally climb stairs or ladder and bend, crouch, kneel, reach, stoop, twist, or crawl.

Must be able to occasionally work in an office environment with moderate noise and lighting and frequently work outdoors with exposure to all weather conditions, biting/stinging bugs and insects, dirt, poisonous plants, heights up to 50 ft, wet, slippery surfaces, and uneven natural ground; occasionally be exposed to odors, dust, mold, mud; rarely to pesticides, chemicals, smoke, animal hair, dander, and feces;

and frequently handle animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.

0‑28 hours per week (dependent on program schedule – potential for some weekends and evenings)

$17.00 – $20.00 DOE

Minimum – Midpoint – Maximum

$15.00 – $18.75 – $22.50

The Wheaton Park District is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V