DEFINITION

Under direction, coordinates either the District’s volunteer, docent, and instructor program or the educational and interpretive program; leads community outreach activities to develop and implement comprehensive environmental education and interpretive programs for diverse communities; assists with the daily operations and coordination of District visitor and discovery centers and native habitat restorations sites; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Environmental Education Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Provides technical and functional direction to assigned seasonal, part-time staff, and/or volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position classification responsible for a variety of duties in the coordination of assigned volunteer or interpretive programing processes and performs project support as needed.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, knowledge of departmental and District activities, and extensive staff, public, and organizational contact. 

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Develops, implements, and coordinates District educational programs including developing and presenting program content, preparing public outreach and information related to the District’s volunteer, educational, and interpretive programs; and recruiting and training volunteers, docents, and instructors.
• Monitors program performance; recommends and implements modifications to systems and procedures; recommends and develops new programs as approved; participates in the development and implementation of the District’s interpretive master plan and develops visitor interpretive experience plans.
• Supervises the maintenance and operation of assigned District visitor center or facility by coordinating staff, volunteers, and professional maintenance services; coordinates planting or related events and appropriate volunteers; transports volunteers to District sites; determines budget needs and makes recommendations.
• Creates and maintains bulletin boards, ‘self-guided’ trail kiosks, informational displays, brochures, exhibits, signage, and other interpretive resources; leads the production and review of periodic newsletters; contributes articles related to assigned programs and District issues; contributes to and updates the District’s website; assists in monitoring and maintenance of the District’s social media accounts.
• Coordinates District participation in local community events including maintaining event calendars, communicating with event venues, preparing, and designing materials, staffing, and set up and take down.
• Assists in preparing, processing, and tracking purchase requisitions for program related services, materials, and events; maintains storage and inventory of program supplies; completes post event inventory and recommends purchases as applicable.
• Assists with the preparation of solicitations to provide materials and services; facilitates pre-proposal meetings and participates in the evaluation of submittals; drafts and reviews terms and conditions of agreements.
• Composes, types, formats, and proofreads a variety of documents; checks drafts for punctuation, spelling, and grammar; compiles information and data for reports and special projects; assists in assembling reports, manuals, announcements, and other informational materials; assists with grant research and application process.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Works cooperatively with other District staff to ensure all elements of programming are efficient and effective.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When assigned to Volunteer Programs:

• Leads the recruitment, training, scheduling, evaluation, and recognition of District volunteers; facilitates classes and educational programs; assists District staff by assigning volunteers to special projects, restoration projects, special events, educational programs, workshops, tours, and hikes.
• Provides volunteer orientation of District mission, goals, philosophies, policies, and code of conduct; organizes volunteer enrichment and training events to maintain volunteer engagement; evaluates volunteers, instructors, and service learners for further training opportunities.
• Updates and maintains the volunteer handbook in conjunction with Human Resources; maintains and tracks volunteer timesheets; monitors digital sign-up platforms and calendars; maintains accurate and detailed records, verifies accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and records information.

When assigned to Education and Interpretive Programs:

• Develops educational materials, activities, and curricula that align with the State of California’s science content standards and frameworks; plans and conducts teacher and professional development workshops; and coordinates indoor and outdoor environmental education interpretive programs and workshops.
• Presents educational and interpretive programs at preserve sites; develops necessary materials for each program and ensures materials are restocked after use; plans, coordinates, and oversees public hikes and trail tours; staffs District visitor and discovery centers as assigned.
• Schedules and assigns volunteers to interpretive and/or educational programming; conducts training for volunteers, docents, and appropriate staff in interpretive principles, skills, and customer service; coordinates a variety of volunteer programs including arboretum maintenance, stewardship, and natural resource-based activities, and works with volunteers on exhibitions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of administering and coordinating an interpretive, docent, and/or volunteer program within the scope of responsibility.
• Professional interpretive program competencies including interpretive activity development and delivery, public speaking, interpretive training and coaching, and visitor or participant assessment techniques.
• Design and development of environmental education and outdoor nature-based programs.
• Regional natural and cultural history, including the native fauna, flora, geology, and ethno-history of District parklands, open space, and Monterey County.
• Elementary school aged learning theory and practice, and the State of California’s curriculum standards for K-12 grades.
• Training resources for docent and interpretive volunteers such as the National Association for Interpretation.
• Principles and practices of volunteer supervision, including work planning, assignment, and the training of volunteers in work procedures.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work.
• Principles and practices of record keeping, retention, and reporting.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Organize and implement both school aged and general public outdoor environment-based programs.
• Present educational material on natural science and/or cultural history to a variety of diverse audiences.
• Recruit, coordinate, schedule, assign, oversee, and participate in activities of docent and interpretive volunteer personnel.
• Train volunteers in proper and safe work procedures.
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Learn flora, fauna, cultural, and geological resources of California, specifically those found on District lands.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues, conduct research to gather relevant information, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff reports.
• Apply safe work techniques in a variety of situations.
• Perform responsible support work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively represent the District in meetings with community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in natural science, cultural history, education, parks and recreation, environmental studies, biology, or other related field and three (3) years relevant experience working with the public and providing interpretive and/or environmental education or coordinating a volunteer/docent program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, a valid California driver license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, a valid Class B Commercial Driver License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, a valid CPR and First Aid certification.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect open space properties, including traversing uneven terrain, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is partially a sedentary office and partially a field classification and standing in and walking between work areas and development sites is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, allergens, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives on sensitive matters and in interpreting and enforcing District policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be willing to work weekends, nights, holidays, or extended shifts or be called back in emergency situations and work with exposure to difficult circumstances. Must wear prescribed District uniform, adhere to strict safety procedures, and work habits. Depending on the exposure, employee is required to wear head, hearing, eye, foot, hand, and full protection equipment.

EFFECTIVE:     5/16/2023

REVISED:        N/A

FLSA:               Non-Exempt