Program and Education Instructor

Description

Title Program and Education Instructor Department Recreation Status Seasonal Work Location Atwood Environmental Center Reports To Program and Education Coordinator Wage $16 / hour Position Description Provides environmental education instruction and direct leadership to program participants visiting Atwood Nature Center.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUES Agency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values : accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTURE DefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENT DefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• 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

Requirements

Education / Experience

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 :

Physical Requirements

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

Work Environment

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 :