Program and Education Instructor

• Provides environmental education instruction and direct leadership to program participants in various topics including, but not limited to, nature hikes, archery, river study, plants, teams/challenge course, predator/prey activities, outdoor living skills, regional history, reptile and Birds of Prey presentations, virtual programs, and site interpretation.
  
• Instructors are typically responsible for teaching x # of participants in a small group for around 90 minutes each session with up to three sessions within a field trip day.
  
• Implements programs throughout the year including environmental education, camp programs, field trips, scout programs, family programs, off-site programs, recreation equipment rental, and special events.
  
• Ensure health and safety of visiting participants, teachers, parents, and co-workers; reporting any concerns or incidents to a supervisor.
  
• Assist in the maintenance and storage of program equipment, supplies and facilities.
  
• Participate in ongoing training.
  
• Provides quality customer service to all participants, teachers, parent volunteers, groups, guests and other District employees.
  
• Assists with special events for a broad range of participants.
  
• Performs preparation for activities including setup, displays, visual aids, etc. designed to enhance the participants’ experience.
  
• Assists with the supervision and set-up of daily meals for participants following food service guidelines.
  
• Provides instruction for, supervises, and enforces participant safety procedures: tornado, fire drills, ordnance and behavioral policies, and others as required.
  
• Monitors their work area on a continual basis, identifying and rectifying potential problems or dangerous conditions and, when necessary, notifying appropriate personnel for their correction.
  
• Provides quality customer service to all patrons, groups, guests and other District employees.
  
• Attends various District meetings and trainings as appropriate to keep informed of District events and activities.
  
• Maintains high standards for the implementation of sound safety practices and procedures.
  
• Supports the Park District’s commitment to the health and safety of its employees and the welfare of the public by maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free workplace.
  
• Supports the Park District’s Affirmative Action Plan to provide people with recreational services and employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin
  
• Utilize the Rockford Park District's HRIS system for all HR and payroll-related requirements and to accurately clock in and out for all shifts.

Compliance

• Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required.
  
• 18 years of age or older
  
• Availability for up to 3 hours a week in shifts defined as no earlier than 7:00 am and no later than 10:00 pm
  

Associate degree or equivalent coursework in Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education, Elementary Education, or a related field, or 1 - 3 years of experience in camps, outdoor education or similar preferred.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Work effectively with other District employees, partners, vendors, donors, and volunteers
  
• Ability to professionally network and publicly represent the district
  
• Have a team orientation approach when working with others
  
• Ability to travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license
  
• Experience with computers, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Outlook, Communication Equipment, Basic Office Equipment, Cell Phone, Two-Way Radio
  
• Wide range of intellectual and practical problems; nonverbal symbolism; comprehend most abstruse concepts.

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:

Medium work:

• • Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
  • Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
  • Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• This position is primarily stationed outdoors; regular exposure to dirt, noise, and temperature and weather extremes.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, and problem solve.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.