Interpreter

Hamilton County•Noblesville, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent serves as Interpreter for Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, responsible for assisting in developing, coordinating and supervising nature related programs and maintaining Cool Creek Nature Center. The position involves a broad range of duties according to department policies and procedures and general objectives, exercising independent judgment of appropriate guidelines and policies to successfully complete work assignments. Incumbent applies standardized practices in assisting in developing programs and activities for varying groups and circumstances, working with a supervisor in setting work assignments and objectives and referring unusual situations as required. The work is primarily reviewed for adherence to instructions, guidelines, and compliance with Department policies. Incumbent communicates frequently with co-workers, other County departments, schools, vendors, volunteers, and the public, for the purpose of exchanging information, instructing, and rendering service. Incumbent reports directly to Superintendent of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree, with experience in outdoor recreation, education, natural resources, or related area, with relevant field experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of Department policies, procedures, and park rules.
Working knowledge of park wildlife, vegetation, and environmental education, and ability to assist in preparing and presenting appropriate educational programs, materials, activities, and exhibits.
Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, to prepare correspondence, documents, and detailed reports as required.
Knowledge of and ability to perform outdoor education, naturalist interpretations, policies, procedures, guidelines, programs, and using and monitoring safety precautions on park grounds.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, schools, vendors, volunteers, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
Ability to assist in supervising and directing personnel and volunteers, including assisting in coordinating, training, delegating, in nature areas and activities, in the greenhouse and gift shop.
Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, and telephone.
Ability to properly operate hand tools, cash registers, and various artist supplies.
Ability to prepare and make presentations and to lead nature hikes, walks, campfire activities, and programs and ability to design and prepare hand-outs and informational materials.
Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.
Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.
Ability to provide public access to, or maintain confidentiality of, department information and records according to State requirements.
Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.
Ability to work weekends, extended hours, and evening hours.
Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.
Must begin the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination and subsequent training within 10 days of their initial job assignment per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i), or provide official documentation of previous vaccination. Temporary Medical Declination may be made for up to six months with a completed form outlining medical reasons. Employees temporarily declining the vaccine are prohibited from performing any duties in which they may be exposed to a blood borne pathogen or other potentially infectious disease until they are able to begin/continue the series of vaccinations. Failure to comply will result in termination of employment.

Responsibilities

Assists with supervising and directing personnel and volunteers, including assisting in coordinating, training, delegating in nature areas and activities, in the greenhouse and gift shop.
Serves as lead staff performing duties such as opening and closing the Nature Center and greenhouse, delegating work assignments, greeting visitors, answering questions, and providing information and assistance.
Assists in developing and maintaining nature center exhibits, including assembling exhibits, and collections, providing information, designing interpretive displays using various software applications, and constructing exhibits.
Implements day camp programs, and classes, for the Nature Center.
Assists scheduled guest speakers and instructors for classes and programs during events.
Manages gift shop, including stocking and selling items, assisting patrons, and assisting personnel and volunteers.
Maintains daily log.
Develops and coordinates nature programs and activities, including leading nature hikes and bird walks, interpreting information for participants, conducting animal talks, and puppet shows, and public speaking presentations.
Maintains the greenhouse and related inside exhibits.
Conducts vegetation and wildlife studies at the park to be used in nature programs.
Maintains prairie and garden, periodically removing weeds around signage and removing litter.
Maintains various document files, and prepares periodic reports as required.
Organizes activities, games, songs, and provides refreshments for programs.
Assists in renting of the Nature Center and shelters for events and parties.
Assists with animal husbandry related to animals in the Nature Center, such as feeding, cleaning, and care as needed.
Assists with designing and preparing hand-outs, informational materials, displays, letters, memos, and reports.
Serves as staff member for janitorial duties at Nature Center and greenhouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.