Education Program Intern in Toledo, Ohio at Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by support Metroparks’ efforts to increase community outreach to underserved populations. Develop and coordinate partnerships with organizations that assist in the goal of supporting programming initiatives through immersive educational experiences. Bring your formal education to life with related work experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Present high-quality public and educational programs for all ages.
• Ensure preparation of comprehensive program outlines for each program and special event to ensure that potential adaptations and inclusion is appropriately addressed.
• Ensure that adaptive considerations and accessibility community needs are represented when evaluating programming decisions.
• Deliver approved messages for program promotions, introductions and closings.
• Identify community populations at risk of exclusion and work with them to identify ways to eliminate obstacles to participation.
• Implement new and repeat programs that focus on engaging populations requiring special accommodations.
• Provide basic care to education ambassador animals including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring physical and behavioral health.
• Transport visitors through the parks driving a Metroparks truck towing a 25’ tram/trailer and/or drive an 11-passenger van. Transport equipment using a variety of trucks and trailers up to 36 feet long.
• Provide feedback to the supervisor for program opportunities and adjustments.
• Provide data required for program tracking worksheets, division metrics.
• Analyze customer information and feedback.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite
• Vehicles: on & off-road trucks and passenger vans with trailers
• Outdoor Sporting Equipment: fishing equipment, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, archery, snowshoes, tree climbing gear, etc.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Seasonal role, limited to 1,480 hours per season
• Schedule: 20-35 hour workweek that will require work in the evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Home Work Location: Glass City Enrichment Center
• May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• <10% travel outside Lucas County
• Requires frequent lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds without assistance and up to 90 pounds with assistance; ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold.

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
2. Education: High School Diploma or GED. At least 4 semesters of college coursework in Environmental Science, Education, Recreation and Leisure or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
3. Experience: 3-6 months of experience in any combination of the following areas: educational and public program development, production, and evaluation; presenting public or educational programs; developing and coordinating partnerships with community organizations; and adapting outdoor recreation programs for accessibility.
4. Certifications:

• External Candidates: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements:
• Internal Candidates: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements. Certifications already achieved, preferred.

1. CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of park programs and special event development and implementation.

Skills

• Demonstrated collaboration skills to establish and sustain critical relationships both internally and externally to meet community needs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Age-appropriate conflict resolution skills to manage groups of children.
• Safely drive a pickup truck towing a (36’) trailer and/or drive an 11-passenger van (training provided).
• Strong attention to detail.

Abilities

• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to lead difficult conversations.
• Ability to continue learning and pursuing professional development.
• Ability to stay organized in a fast paced environment.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.