Interpretive Naturalist
City of Westminster Open Space
Westminster, Colorado
Job Type | Temporary |
Salary | $21 - $26 per hour |
Benefits | None |
Deadline | Apr 14, 2025 |
Experience | 0 - 1 years |
Program Coordinator III - Interpretive Naturalist - Standley Lake | Job Details tab | Career Pages
Program Coordinator III - Interpretive Naturalist - Standley LakeSalary
$21.21 - $26.93 Hourly
Location
Standley Lake, CO
Job Type
Hourly, Non Benefited
Job Number
25-00121
Department
Parks, Rec and Libraries
Division
25 Parks, Golf and Open Space
Opening Date
04/07/2025
Closing Date
4/14/2025 8:30 AM Mountain
CITY EQUITY STATEMENT
The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job—someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.
Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.
POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Program Coordinator III– Interpretive Naturalist position is responsible for facilitating environmental education programs for children ranging from kindergarten to middle school through the Junior Ranger Academy program funded by the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Inspire grant. Westy POWER-PODER, a GOCO Generation Wild coalition in Westminster whose name stands for "Promoting the Outdoors through Wellness, Education & Recreation" (POWER) and "Promoviendo Oportunidades de Educación Recreativas" (PODER), connects families and youth with nature to promote nature, wellness and literacy to under-served populations. This position develops and presents culturally relevant information to children on the park's natural resources and history. Highly prefer that applicants are bilingual in English and Spanish and applicants must be 21 years of age and able to work on varied shifts that include weekends and holidays.
BENEFITS
- Receive CPR, First Aid and AED certification good for 2 years
- Express creativity through the creation of promotional material
- Gain knowledge of city's computer software program called RecTrac
- Obtain animal care experience
- Receive free access to City of Westminster Recreation Facilities
The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on the qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.
The position will start in April 2025 and end on October 31st, 2025. All interviews will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES
The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational and informational services and resources and acquiring, developing, and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space and trails. This position works toward the accomplishment of the department’s mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.
GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:
- Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
- Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-development
- Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
- Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
- Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively
- Demonstrate an ability to work independently
- Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
- Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance
- Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
Job Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:
- Coordinate, develop, implement and lead nature education programs on and offsite under supervision of full time Open Space Park Naturalist
- Follow written and verbal instructions
- Work with the public with a focus on youth ranging from kindergarten to middle school
- Assist with live animal care for a small collection of reptiles and observational bee hives
- Establish effective working relationships with other employees
- Perform multiple tasks efficiently
- Handle emergency situations quickly and calmly such as injuries and traffic accidents
- Carry out any immediate first aid necessary
- Work in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and RecTrac
- Operate standard office equipment such as copy and fax machines, personal computers and telephone
- Demonstrate knowledge of proper telephone and e-mail etiquette
All employees are expected to provide excellent customer service, communicate in an effective manner both verbally and in writing, display professionalism and integrity, work efficiently, effectively and accurately, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, solve problems, display good judgment, take ownership for delivering a high-quality product or service, have regular and punctual attendance and effectively handle emergency situations.
JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS
1. Co-develops interpretive programs for Junior Rangers
- Aids with the creation and design of well-organized and engaging programs under the guidance of the Open Space Park Naturalist
- Presents or facilitates programs at Standley Lake, Westminster Parks, Westminster Open Spaces and off-site locations
- Maintains a safe atmosphere for children kindergarten to middle school
- Uses computers and Microsoft Excel, Word, Publisher and PowerPoint
2. Assists with the logistics of nature excursions for Junior Ranger Academy i.e., scheduling and promoting programs, securing reservations, researching location sites, scheduling staff and supervision of participants
3. Assists with City of Westminster nature education programs with an emphasis on Westminster Open Space including but not limited to enrolling participants, collecting fees, creating programs and presenting material
4. Assists in maintaining vehicles and storage locations in a clean, neat and safe manner including rental vehicles
5. Inventories, maintains and cleans program equipment, supplies and vehicles at various locations
6. Schedules, promotes and creates marketing and promotional material for interpretive programs including brochures, flyers, website posts, online advertisements and posters
7. Maintains regular and punctual attendance
Other Duties and Responsibilities
1. Assists with special events in other program areas such as volunteer events
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion
POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Required:
- A minimum of 21 years of age
- 1-year minimum experience of developing youth education programs
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and safe driving record throughout employment
- Must possess or be willing to obtain a CPR and Standard First Aid Certificate within thirty (30) days of employment
Preferred:
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Able to teach and communicate in both English and Spanish
- Previous experience in an educational setting, preferably in recreation, natural resources or similar capacity
- College level courses relating to education and/or life sciences
- Interpretive Guide Certification preferably in recreation, natural resources or similar capacity
- Knowledge of RecTrac, Publisher or similar computer software programs
Physical Requirements
This position requires a low degree of physical stamina and strength, including the ability to:
- Frequently sit, stand and walk through a multi-level facility
- Occasionally squat, bend, kneel, twist, climb, balance and reach overhead
- Frequently lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds
- Constantly use hands and fingers for fine manipulation; occasionally use light and firm grasp
- Frequently see objects up close to perform office tasks and far away to observe activity for safety hazards or problems
- Constantly use hearing to interact with guests and staff and recognize trouble outside of view
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is constantly performed indoors and outdoors. Exposure to periods of high activity and stress under demanding conditions. The position requires a great deal of communication with City employees, the public and outside agencies.
Required Materials and Equipment
Computer, cash register, telephone, photocopy machine, fax machine, files and other standard office equipment.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check and substance screen. There may be additional pre-employment requirements depending on the nature of the position.
We are a caring, courteous, team-oriented organization committed to public service excellence. Employees thrive in a culture that is respectful, professional and diverse. Our work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees. Westminster is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.
Program Coordinator III - Interpretive Naturalist - Standley Lake | Job Details tab | Career Pages
Program Coordinator III - Interpretive Naturalist - Standley Lake | Job Details tab | Career Pages
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Category | Admin & Leadership, Environmental Education |
Tags | Naturalist, Outreach |