Birthday Party & Programmer & Nature Center Host

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Wheaton, MD

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Montgomery Parks' Brookside Nature Center is seeking a Birthday Party Program Leader & Nature Center Host. This part-time, year-round position involves leading birthday parties, staffing the front desk, facilitating campfire rentals, and assisting with other educational programming. The role requires a passion for nature education and community building, with a focus on connecting diverse audiences with the natural world. The position is predominantly weekend-based, with flexible hours ranging from 5-15 per week, depending on program demand and instructor availability. Brookside Nature Center is part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a recipient of multiple NRPA Gold Medal Awards.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Two (2) years of experience in Customer Service, Education, or Interpretation, or as a Naturalist Aide or Camp Counselor.
An equivalent combination of higher education and experience may be substituted, which together total two (2) years.
A positive attitude, strong initiative, and exemplary customer service skills.
Skilled in collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
Skilled in effectively communicating concepts so that others can understand them.
Experience and/or ability to work and interact well with people of diverse backgrounds.
Ability to lift 25 pounds and hike for 3 miles over uneven terrain.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading educational programs for a variety of audiences and ages.
Knowledge of Maryland natural history.
Experience with campfire building and campfire safety.
Boating experience – kayaking and/or driving boats.
Available at least 4 weekend dates per month for scheduling programs.
CPR/AED and First Aid Certified.
Ability to communicate in another language is a plus.

Responsibilities

Delivers pre-planned nature education programs, including birthday parties, hikes, campfire building, and nature scavenger hunts.
Communicates supply needs and records participant numbers for programs.
Leads programs with an emphasis on community building and making outdoor spaces safe and rewarding.
Modifies programs to accommodate participants' age, language, abilities, and prior knowledge.
Collaborates with Brookside Nature Center Naturalists on other programming, staff meetings, and special events as requested.
Attends staff meetings and provides input.
Staffs the Nature Center front desk during open weekend hours, answering visitor questions about trails, rentals, park rules, and programs.
Works with front desk volunteers to create a welcoming environment.
Ensures indoor and outdoor spaces are clean, organized, and safe.
Communicates courteously and accurately with visitors, participants, volunteers, and co-workers.