Salary: $17.00 – $19.00 Hourly
Job Type: Part-time Benefits Eligible
Closing: 10/4/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

See full details at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/metroparkstacoma/jobs/3233967/education-program-specialist-wildlife-champions

Job Description

Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.  Metro Parks Tacoma is located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the MPT system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
 
 OUR CORE VALUES
 These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which MPT treats staff, customers and the community:
 •Innovation    •Excellence     •Equity    •Inclusiveness    •Sustainability   •Accountability •Safety  •Fun

POSITION INFORMATION
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, deliver engaging classroom and field-based programs as part of the innovative Wildlife Champions collaboration. In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
  • Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
  • Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
  • Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
  • Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties

  • Collaborate with elementary school administrators and teachers to develop engaging and innovative science curricula for grades K-5, ensuring coordination with appropriate standards and empathy for wildlife best practices.  Wildlife Champions is a long-term partnership with Lister Elementary School in East Tacoma, with the goals of developing empathy for wildlife, connecting students to nature, and providing environmental education opportunities to underserved students.
  • Work closely with Lister Elementary administration team to develop comprehensive programmatic schedule for the entire school year.
  • Work with Community Engagement Coordinator(s) and professional evaluator to create, modify, schedule, and implement student assessment of empathy and stewardship development.
  • Work diligently to establish respectful connections and relationships with Salishan Community members and other communities surrounding Lister Elementary.
  • Professionally and passionately represent Metro Parks Tacoma and its conservation initiatives at community events.
  • Develop deep familiarity with the natural and cultural history of Swan Creek Park and the surrounding communities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Effectively engage with a diverse group of students and become a positive role model for them.
  • At least two years of experience in natural sciences, education, or related field, may include college coursework or work experience. 
  • Passion to engage communities in science and nature experiences that are exciting, rewarding and impactful.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
  • Ability and experience working with diverse populations historically underrepresented in nature settings or conservation organizations.
  • Vision to help achieve the missions of Metro Parks Tacoma and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
  • Experience with delivery of community programming to individuals, families and groups from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds.
  • Experience with environmental education program development and delivery in formal and informal settings.
  • Experience working with volunteers (adults, youth and families).
  • Experience working with community partners to achieve shared goals.
  • Excellent organizational and customer service skills.
  • Must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity, self-responsibility, and ability to work as part of a team. 
  • Ability to work outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and frequently stand and walk for extended periods of time.
  • Experience developing, administering and adapting evaluation tools to measure conservation outcomes desirable.
  • Education background in the natural sciences or education field helpful. 
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule.
  • First Aid and CPR certification required.
  • Ability to operate 10-passenger vehicle after training.
  • Reliable Transportation

 Desired Qualifications: 

  • Ability to effectively engage with a diverse group of students and become a positive role model for them.
  • Knowledge of current conservation issues. 
  • Bilingual or use of a language other than English (such as Spanish, ASL, Russian, Korean) 
  • Experience in applying DEAI principles to your work  

After careful consideration, Metro Parks has implemented the following directive that combines Governor Inslee’s school-based requirement with the Park District’s desire to protect children within its own facilities: Employees, volunteers, and vendors who work at school sites or who regularly come into contact with children under age 12 as a core function of their role with Metro Parks must show proof of full vaccination to designated agency personnel by October 18, 2021. Your vaccine status will be verified before you can begin working. Please note that medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made. Each request for accommodation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  

Additional Information

Note that this is a 2-year position – begins mid-Oct. 2021 and ends Sept. 30, 2023

HOURS
35 hours per week

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions. Extensive contact with the public.  Work site will be at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Lister Elementary, Swan Creek Park, and other sites as necessary.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Standing for extended periods of time. Lifting and carrying boxes as needed .Walking throughout the park.

HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
 All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
 
 MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 
 MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or angelas@tacomaparks.com.
 
 Employment is subject to a national background check.
 
 This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.