(Part Time) Farm Center Interpreter/Teamster

Huron-Clinton Metroparks•Ray Twp, MI

35d•$16 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Farm Center Interpretive Supervisor, this year-round, part-time position performs a variety of duties related to conducting horse-drawn hayrides, and planning, preparing, and teaching agricultural programs. Work responsibilities involve operating the farm center by planning and presenting agricultural programs, caring for and maintaining farm livestock, and promoting public interest in the facilities and activities. The P4 level includes additional duties such as registering groups, creating invoices, preparing correspondence, arranging logistics, developing and conducting interpretive presentations, creating and maintaining reports, and marketing programs.

Requirements

Ability to work with and care for a diverse range of large and small animals.
Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public, outside agencies and employees.
Ability to demonstrate creativity and the ability to implement new initiatives.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs and presentations.
Ability to use carpentry, gardening, farming, and artistic tools.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Ability to traverse sandy, marshy and wooded areas with even or uneven terrain.
Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
Ability to perform essential duties.
Experience with livestock handling.
Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification, or the ability to obtain a CIG certification within one year of hire and maintain thereafter.
Ability to learn the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program.
Ability to design science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education.
Successful completion of the HCMA Teamster Training Program, and Supervisor Authorization to operate at least one draft horse team for public hayrides (P4 level).
Experience in interpretation, education or a related field (P4 level).
Knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified interpretive program (P4 level).
Knowledge of and ability to design science education programs that support the NGSS and Michigan Science Standards set by the Michigan Department of Education (P4 level).

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred from accredited college within nature interpretation, environmental education, biology, agriculture, animal science, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field.
Applicants with 4 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
Draft horse experience preferred.
Experience in interpretation, education or a related field preferred (P3 level).

Responsibilities

Conducts hayrides.
Assists with animal care as necessary.
Operates and maintains horse-drawn vehicles including harnessing equipment.
Conducts educational programs for schools, private groups, and visiting patrons.
Provides a safe environment for park visitors.
Performs other farm maintenance chores (cleaning stalls, grooming, fence repair, etc) as needed.
Welcome and interact with casual park visitors and answer inquiries in person and via telephone, e-mail, and social media.
Maintenance of indoor facilities and outdoor spaces, including captive animal and trail maintenance, as needed.
May assist with special events.
Register groups and individuals for programs, create invoices, prepare and send out correspondence, and arrange other school/group visit logistics (P4 level).
Develop and conduct interpretive presentations to students, families, summer camps, and the general public (P4 level).
Create and maintain necessary reports and paperwork (P4 level).
Market programs as needed (P4 level).
May serve on committees (P4 level).