Job Summary

To lead students, teachers and parents in conservation education programs and activities, conduct programs for students and adults in environmental education and outdoor recreation, and to oversee and cares for resident live animals.

 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.

 

Supervision Exercised

Serves as a work leader over seasonal staff and volunteers. Elements of direct control include assigning tasks, monitoring progress and work flow, checking the product for timeliness and correctness or soundness, and providing input into supervisor’s actions.

 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

 

1. Leads and teaches participants in environmental education activities and outdoor recreation programs.
2. Researches and develops new curriculum.
3. Oversees and cares for resident live animals.
4. Maintains educational equipment and helps maintain facilities.
5. Concludes program activities by cleaning and storing all equipment.
6. Maintains current first aid & CPR knowledge.
7. Assists other departments when needed.
8. Attends environmental education workshops.
9. Provides supervision and training of Seasonal Naturalists to maintain efficient operation of the Center and to ensure the goals and objectives of the Center are met.
10. Attends training and meetings as needed.

 

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science, Environmental Education, Recreation or a related field.

First Aid/CPR Certified.

 

MN Teaching license preferred, but not required.

 

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check (including FBI fingerprint check).

 

Must be willing to work flexible hours as assigned, including evenings and some weekends for special events.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

 

Knowledge of:

1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
2. Curriculum and activities in the above fields, current educational techniques, laws and requirements of student and adult education.

 

Skill in:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and guests sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2. Teaching, public speaking, outdoor activities; administration of first aid/CPR (certified); using audio visual equipment; computers and other office equipment; and care/handling of live specimens.
3. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently.
4. Organizing and prioritizing work.

 

Ability to:

1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat all county staff and guests with respect, honesty, and consideration.
2. Lead, instruct and evaluate programs and activities to carry out objectives.
3. Deal tactfully but firmly while supervising students.
4. Employ positive public relations both on and off the Conservation Center.
5. Communicate with co-workers, students and the general public.
6. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, students and the general public.
7. Create, evaluate, and update curriculum.
8. Issue and follow oral and written instructions.
9. Endure adverse weather conditions and hazardous and annoying insects.

 

Language Skills

High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

 

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common

fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

 

Reasoning Skills

High Skills – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

Computer Skills

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, Internet, and other job-related software.

 

Ability to Travel

Infrequent travel is required for errands, trainings, meetings, and/or business at the courthouse.

 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

 

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, problem solving, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.

 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

This position requires both indoor and outdoor work in all types of weather, including hot summer and cold winter temperatures. Outdoors may be exposed to bees, flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and poison ivy. May occasionally be exposed to blood or other body fluids from guest illness or injury.

 

 

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, calculator, shredder, scanner, canoe and paddle, skis, snowshoes, recreational equipment, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

 

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, daily lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

 

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.

 

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

 

05/13/2014

 

 

 

 

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism