Part Time Parks Naturalist - Lead TreeSchool Teacher

Oakland County•Waterford, MI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is limited to 1,000 hours/year and serves as the onsite program leader for TreeSchool (nature-based preschool) at Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills, MI. The role involves supervising part-time staff and volunteers, ensuring programming, facilities, and visitor experiences meet quality and safety standards, and providing young children with high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and positive experiential learning experiences in an outdoor and/or farm-based setting. The position plans, develops, and delivers a comprehensive schedule of nature-based educational activities using the emergent curriculum model, Forest School principles, and Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards. The Lead TreeSchool Teacher is responsible for the oversight and direction of the Assistant TreeSchool Teachers.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Parks Interpretation, Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Biological Sciences, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Food Systems, Recreation, Early Childhood Education, or a related field AND Have had at least two (2) years full-time professional work experience developing, coordinating, and delivering environmental education, farm-based education, interpretation, outdoor recreation, nature-based programming, or early childhood programming
OR Possess an Associate’s Degree or equivalent education from an accredited college or university with a major in Parks Interpretation, Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Biological Sciences, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Food Systems, Recreation, Early Childhood Education, or a related field. AND Have had at least four (4) years full-time professional work experience developing, coordinating, and delivering environmental education, farm-based education, interpretation, outdoor recreation, nature-based programming, or early childhood programming
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license
Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification
Successfully complete the six month probationary period
Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a diversified Interpretive Program
Considerable knowledge and appreciation of ideals and objectives of a planned nature program
Considerable ability to plan a budget, organize, coordinate and direct the activities and personnel involved in a well-rounded nature program
Considerable ability to direct the preparation of exhibits for the environmental programs and facilities, establish and label nature trails, and give lectures
Considerable ability to instruct groups in the fundamentals of natural sciences as applied to an Interpretive Program
Considerable ability to speak effectively before a variety of groups interested in the study of park environment
Ability to operate office equipment such as an adding machine and a typewriter, and considerable ability to operate motor vehicles such as a pick‑up truck and a van
Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software

Responsibilities

Serves as onsite program leader for TreeSchool (nature-based preschool)
Supervises part-time staff and volunteers
Ensures that all programming, facilities, and visitor experiences meet the quality and safety standards of Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as licensing guidelines from the State of Michigan
Provides young children with high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and positive experiential learning experiences in an outdoor and/or farm-based setting
Plans, develops, and delivers a comprehensive schedule of nature-based educational activities using the emergent curriculum model, Forest School principles and Michigan’s’ Early Childhood Standards
Responsible for the oversight and direction of the Assistant TreeSchool Teachers
Functions as a working supervisor, over a group of students, volunteers, part‑time and full‑time employees
Instructs, assigns, schedules, checks and appraises performance
Participates in decisions to hire, discipline, discharge, and award pay increases and/or promotions
Regularly performs same duties as employees supervised
Guides preschool groups through inquiry-based learning experiences related to topics/fields including agriculture, natural resources, plant and animal science, and environmental education
Facilitates and collaborates with the early childhood team to plan, evaluate, and assess programs and learning
Communicates with children, parents/guardians, colleagues, volunteers, and the public consistently, appropriately, and effectively
Communicates regularly with program parents/guardians regularly, such as through newsletters, blogs, meetings, email, etc., to support child learning and development
Supports promotion of educational programs, camps, and other activities
Leads the overall planning and maintenance of program equipment, supplies, materials, and classroom spaces
Routinely documents, reflects on and extends learning through meetings and other professional development opportunities
Completes required professional development and maintains current training records
Recognizes and addresses hazards in the outdoor setting by performing risk assessments and developing and implementing procedures to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment
Contributes to the development, implementation, and review of program policies, procedures, and activities in collaboration with the Recreation Program Supervisor
Supports and participates in other functions as appropriate or as needed
Assists in planning outdoor education workshops for teachers in order to promote professional development in outdoor education and instructs workshop sessions