Conservation & Experiential Programming (Cep) Aide - (Part-Time)

Cook County Government•Harlem, NY

About The Position

The mission of the Conservation & Experiential Programming (CEP) Department is to connect people to nature through experiences that build lifelong relationships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (District) and the natural world. To achieve its mission, the CEP Department provides engagement through various offerings like public programming, outdoor recreation, community engagement, special events, and environmental education. The CEP Aide position will help achieve the department’s mission by providing support to CEP’s operations and engagement strategies. CEP Aides support other CEP staff with the operations and delivery of engagement activities for the District at numerous locations throughout the County such as nature centers, program facilities, outdoor classrooms, and campgrounds. CEP Aides provide support for programmatic work, curriculum development and delivery, community outreach and engagement, administrative work, basic upkeep of nature centers, vehicles, equipment, and animal care. Provides programming with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and other schools after passing institution’s background processes. CEP Aides are Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Mandated Reporters for Child Abuse and Neglect.

Requirements

Must possess a high school diploma or GED and at least 1 seasons of work experience working on ecological restoration, animal care, forestry or providing activities, programs, or workshops in a hands-on environment related to environmental education, conservation, stewardship, nature-based programming, outdoor recreation, arts education or youth engagement, OR must have completed 15 credit hours at an accredited college or university in environmental education, natural/environmental sciences, teaching, arts, forestry, recreation/leisure studies, youth development or similar field.
Must possess a valid driver’s license .
Must obtain certification of Mandated Reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services within sixty (60) days of date of hire.
The interview process may be virtual.
Must bring a favorite nature or outdoor recreation object and be prepared to provide a one (1) minute short talk/interpretive presentation regarding the object during the interview.
Knowledge and interest in recreation trends, specifically, new concepts related to outdoor and adventure recreation, the arts, especially process-oriented art making and creative reuse, and nature play activities.
Knowledge of basic outdoor skills, i.e., camping, hiking, biking, paddling & canoe portage techniques, fire starting, birding, stewardship.
Ability to research and prepare information for presentation through programming, displays, exhibits and other written and graphic illustrations.
Ability to provide programming for schools including, but not limited to, CPS and pass the institution’s background process.
Ability to maintain a high level of courtesy, efficiency and morale while cooperating with fellow employees and dealing with a large number of visitors.
Ability to interact with community groups and members of the public to keep program components responsive to community needs
Knowledge of the basic nature, ecology and the flora and fauna and related subjects as may pertain to services and operations of the District and its natural resources.
Willingness to perform duties associated with the maintenance of nature centers, including animal care, campgrounds, trails and paddling programs and ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform various types of physical exertion, including, but not limited to lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving objects of moderate to heavy weight.
Ability and skill in the safe use of basic hand-held tools and equipment
Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with others both verbally and in writing.
Ability to explain services and operations or provide general directions and information to callers and visitors.
Ability to effectively organize and manage groups of program participants, particularly children, in a safe and efficient manner.
Ability to provide excellent communication with colleagues and demonstrate timeliness and professionalism at all times.
Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather.
Ability to work extended, flexible, weekend, evening and holiday hours as needed
Willingness to be assigned to any District facility or programmatic team and to accept short-term, temporary assignments to other District facilities as needed.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR AN INTERVIEW.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in Spanish or Polish, OR possession of 1 season of work experience as a Seasonal Youth Outdoor Ambassador, OR previous seasonal work with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member, OR at least 1 season of work experience with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago or the Chicago Park District, OR at least 1 year of volunteer experience on the property of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County.

Responsibilities

Supports the mission of the District and the Conservation and Experiential Programming Department.
Aids in planning, developing, and implementing programs in conservation, environmental education and outdoor recreation as well as for seasonal and special events
Performs a variety of duties in connection with nature-based programming that may include environmental education, outdoor recreation and seasonal events.
May work in community centers, parks or other community-based locations and at schools including, but not limited to, CPS, after passing institution’s background process.
Serves as District’s customer service and community engagement representative at events
May provide care and feeding for captive display animals according to prescribed formulation of dietary needs.
Facilitates a wide range of hands on experience based, outdoor recreation and nature-based programs through the development of program ideas, concepts and curriculum related, but not limited to, outdoor adventure and recreation, environmental education, nature play and the arts.
Maintains, prepares and inventories equipment and supplies for programs and activities.
Maintains and adheres to program and event schedule.
Drives and takes care of vehicle needs.
Provides statistical reports and anecdotal reports related to activities.
Participates in research, outreach and marketing.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.