Temporary - Nature Based Activity Specialist (Austin Nature & Science Center/Austin Parks and Recreation)

About This Position

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants at all times while engaging in a variety of activities.

• Assist with teaching program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities, and interests.

• Regular attendance is essential for this position.

• Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training.

• Serve as a role model, exercising appropriate decision-making, boundary setting, and best practices in education.

• Utilize effective behavior management skills, including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly, and firmly.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, parents, teachers, co-workers, and supervisors.

• Work cooperatively with counselors and other staff.

• Provide excellent customer service.

• Establish a professional rapport with participants which fosters trust, honesty, and a feeling of safety.

Responsibilities – Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of educational youth programs and activities.

• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Ability to work with children including youth with special needs.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma/GED, and six (6) months of related experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.

• May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.

• Texas Class “C” Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Degree in education, early childhood education, environmental studies, ecology, or other related field.

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience with environmental education, animal handling, hiking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

• Experience in team building, redirecting challenging behaviors, and setting healthy boundaries with youth ages 4-16 years.

• Experience and skill in interpreting environmental education themes to large groups of participants.

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.

• Knowledge of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

• Knowledge of age-appropriate hands-on activities and crafts.

• Knowledge of common safety practices and procedures.

• Ability to work with children, including youth with special needs.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Temporary - Nature Based Activity Specialist position is to act as a School Programs Instructor, outreach specialist, and break camp counselor at the Austin Nature and Science Center.

Additional information about the position:

• Demonstrate interest in and knowledge of nature-based education.

• Familiarity with and knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

• Safely facilitate and actively supervise PreK - 7th grade students and homeschoolers while engaging in a variety of educational activities.

• Ability to actively instruct educational programs indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Modify and teach experiential program activities to accommodate various needs, abilities, and interests.

• Be punctual and consistently work assigned shifts.

• Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training and staff meetings.

• Be comfortable handling various mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds while facilitating programs.

• Utilize effective classroom and behavior management skills in order to maintain a safe learning environment.

• Maintain the physical space by performing classroom housekeeping and outdoor class space management regularly.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, teachers, co-workers, and supervisors.

• Work cooperatively with co-instructors and other staff.

• Complete reports and forms and assist with maintaining records in accordance with City of Austin (COA) and Austin Parks & Recreation (APR) policies and procedures.

• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.

• Military/Veteran Preference for Interview Process: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.

• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and or inclement conditions; and in confined spaces at times. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.

• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

• All APR Work Site Locations are Tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Salary:

$22.05 per hour

Work Location:

Austin Nature & Science Center - 301 Nature Center Dr.

Work Schedule:

• Variable schedule, average of 30 hours per week, generally Tuesday – Saturday.

• Availability needed September through April.

• Required to work up to three (3) special events and most school break camps.

• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.