S.t.r.e.a.m. Education Coordinator (naturalist I)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking S.T.R.E.A.M. Education Coordinator to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine Rec Centers, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. Be a leader in stewardship education by joining the team at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly, Va. The S.T.R.E.A.M. Education Coordinator works with the Senior Interpreter to plan exhibits, develop educational materials and opportunities for community members of all ages. Develops, presents, and trains other staff to present educational programs to the public regularly including field trips, programs, and events. Manage staff and volunteers to create a cohesive team of educators who instruct on the topics of stewardship, native plants, and animals, and who provide learning opportunities to the community at large out of the Woodlands Stewardship Education Building.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Researches, designs, promotes, schedules, conducts and evaluates interpretive programs in natural and cultural history in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings;
  
• Tailors new and existing interpretive programs to specific audiences;
  
• Designs and fabricates interpretive exhibits for display, and designs interpretive brochures, flyers, newsletters and other nature center publications;
  
• Provides oversight, direction and support to exempt paid or volunteer interpretive staff;
  
• Greets visitors to the nature center and park and provides information and impromptu interpretation of the site as appropriate;
  
• Promotes and maintains community relations;
  
• Conducts associated public programs, as required;
  
• Assists with natural resource management planning and designation of natural areas for acquisition;
  
• Provides technical assistance to the public and other agencies on the natural history and conservation of native plants and animals, local geologic and other natural resources;
  
• Responds to environmental issues and concerns registered by citizens or other agencies and coordinates resolution of problems.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the natural and biological sciences including the theory, principles and practices of interpretation, conservation and environmental education, and natural area management;
  
• Knowledge of native flora, fauna, geology and ecology of the local area;
  
• Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices;
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  
• Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and questions;
  
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of individuals including the general public.
  
• Ability to develop and present creative interpretive programs for both children and adults.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in natural or life sciences, natural history, park management, education or a closely related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in widely used community language (Spanish, Korean, Arabic)
• Experience working with groups of people of many ages in an educational, natural, museum, or similar setting Advanced degree in environmental science, education, or related field.
• Experience managing adult staff or volunteers in a professional setting.
• Experience with scientific collection and procedures with data collection CIG certified.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CPR/First Aid (Required within 3 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to walk and stand for extended periods. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. . EEO/AA/TTY.

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