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Outdoor Adventure Program Specialist #2410-1032-02

Natural History, Natural Environments, Outdoor Adventure!

Date Opened
Friday, October 11, 2024 12:01 AM
Close Date
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 11:59 PM
Section
Parks Department
Salary
  • $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Employment Type
  • Part-Time

Introduction

This role is a dynamic, part time position responsible for leading and coordinating outdoor recreation, environmental education, and team-building activities within New Haven’s parks. With a strong focus on youth engagement and natural resource-based learning, this position requires collaboration with Park Rangers, Program Aides, and volunteers. You will take on a leadership role, overseeing program implementation, managing volunteers, and ensuring participants’ safety and enjoyment in a variety of educational and recreational settings, both indoors and outdoors.

This position is ideal for those with experience in environmental sciences, education, or recreation, and a passion for nature-based programming. Responsibilities include leading outdoor education initiatives, coordinating field trips, maintaining park facilities and equipment, and performing administrative tasks such as promotion, record keeping, and supply management. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills are essential, as the role involves working with diverse groups, managing volunteers, and engaging with the community at citywide events.

Flexibility is key, as frequent evening and weekend hours are required. If you have a background in outdoor education, recreation, and leadership, and enjoy working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on New Haven’s parks and communities.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This part-time, year-round position will implement and coordinate outdoor recreation, team-building activities, environmental science education, and volunteer programs to maintain the City of New Haven’s Parks’ natural environments. The work will require frequent evening and weekend work, hours of work will depend on the programming. This position will be under the direct supervision of the program’s Park Rangers and under the programmatic supervision of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator. 

This employee is responsible for working with Program Aides, Park Rangers, and volunteers to conduct instruction of individuals of all ages, focusing on youth engagement and empowerment in natural resource-based activities and learning. This role includes maintaining trails and ranger facilities, maintaining outdoor adventure gear and equipment, as well as outdoor education instruction both in classroom and outdoor settings.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Present and lead natural history education, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages.
  • Communicates with local educators to coordinate field trips and outdoor education experiences.
  • Sets up equipment and materials needed for each program.
  • Supervises participants of all ages to ensure their enjoyment and safety during activities.
  • Conducts administrative tasks such as promotion of programming, registration, attendance tracking, record keeping.
  • Leads supervision of volunteers and students in nature recreation activities year-round.
  • Communicates well with program participants, parents, educators, and program staff.
  • Assists with maintaining access, cleanliness and orderliness of program areas and equipment.
  • Assists in choosing and purchasing of supplies and equipment needed for programming.
  • Takes inventory, maintains, and organizes supplies and equipment for programming.
  • Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings and facilities.
  • Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
  • Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent, and at least 1 year in the major concentration of Recreation, Education, Environmental Sciences, or associated field in an accredited institution of higher learning or the equivalent on-the-job experience as an employee or intern at a municipality or school. At least 2 years of experience in communicating natural history, information interpretation, environmental education or recreation, combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Previous experience working with the public, comfortable with public speaking and working with groups. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Knowledge of local natural history, organized recreation, and outdoor adventure activities.
  • Proficient at Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with using basic graphic design platforms and tools.
  • Experience with promotion of events and social media management.
  • Works well in a team environment with shared goals.
  • Ability to work independently, once trained.
  • Ability to use basic hand tools, battery/electric operated tools and follow instructions pertaining to trail maintenance and improvement of amenities.
  • nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or mental challenges.
  • Works well with diverse groups interested in the advocacy of parks programs.
  • Ability to accurately enter program records and information into spreadsheets and word processing programs.
  • Effective planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, as programming will include evening and weekend hours.
  • Bilingual ability (Spanish preferred) desired but not required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain Connecticut’s Public Passenger endorsement license within one month of hire.
  • Ability to work in various conditions, including inclement weather such as rain or snow, and a variety or temperatures.
  • Agility and physical fitness to be mobile and stand for extended periods of time

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This "Non Tested" position may be General or Special Funds.

This part time position is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of part time employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment. Persons may not be employed in two concurrent positions with the City and/or the Board of Education at the same time.


Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check,and  (2) a pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources.  Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process

Those persons interested in other Program Specialist employment (Youth & Recreation Program Specialist) must also apply for those positions via the corresponding JobAps portal.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:
  • Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
  • You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
  • MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
  • Review or modify your application for that position
  • Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation
  • Click "Send to City of New Haven"
  • You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"
  • You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission

  • If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.

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