Description: Wildwood’s Nature Program Coordinator engages and educates the community by creating, overseeing, and teaching a variety of nature and science-based programming including summer camps, birthday parties, nature preschool, and early childhood classes at Wildwood. The position coordinates our birthday party programming for ages 3-12, communicates details with staff and families, prepares and purchases supplies, and coaches and trains staff. During the school year, the position focuses on developing, preparing, and instructing classes for primarily early childhood age participants. During the summer season, the position transitions to overseeing one of our school aged nature camp programs including curriculum development and, staff and camper management. The Nature Program Coordinator also works many special events, welcomes visitors to our Nature Center, and incorporates live animals into our programming and community engagement.
As part of the Park Ridge Park District, Wildwood has been serving and connecting with the community since 1986. Wildwood offers programming year-round in the Wildwood Program Center, which is home to staff offices and three classroom spaces for our nature classes, family classes, scout programs, school group field trips, nature camps, and birthday parties. Wildwood also has classroom spaces at the neighboring Maine Park Leisure Center where our Nature Preschool and additional summer camp programs are based. Open year-round to the public is the Wildwood Nature Center facility; where you’ll find the animal exhibit room, a Nature Nook play space, and additional staff offices. Surrounding our facilities are five acres with trees, open space, walking paths, ponds, restored native prairie, woodland, campfire circle, and educational signage.
Qualifications: One to two years of experience supervising and educating children and young adults in a classroom or outdoor setting. One to two year of environmental interpretation with experience in coordinating and presenting environmental education and interpretive programs to diverse audiences. One to two years’ experience guiding staff and volunteers. Knowledge of local flora and fauna preferred, and knowledge of general husbandry practices and methods. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with a variety of age groups. Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office software and advance level of written and verbal communication in the English Language. A Valid Driver’s License in order to perform as a District driver. CPR/AED certified or ability to obtain within 90 days.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, Education, Forestry, Biology or alternatively a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Availability:
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During the school year, typical work week is four relatively consistent weekdays and times, as well as works approximately 3-4 weekend days a month to include a mix of Saturdays or Sundays for our birthday party programs and special events. Programming during the school year typically runs between 8:15am-5:00pm with additional evening special events and family programming. Birthday party programming typically runs between 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with occasional evening weekday parties.
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During the summer camp season, a typical work week is Monday-Friday, with some weekend and evening hours for special events and parties. Summer camp programming typically runs 8:00am-4:00pm but varies slightly by camp.
Benefits: Our employees enjoy a multitude of facility benefits valued up to $6,000 such as:
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Memberships at our: Fitness Center, Ice Arena and Activity Center (for Active Adults 55+)
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Indoor and Outdoor Pool Use
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Driving Range - Buckets of Balls
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Private Room Rental for Your Special Occasions
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Classes such as: Fitness, Tae Kwon Do, dog obedience
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Discounted Preschool and Summer Camps for dependents
Select the following link to view all of the amazing benefits we offer:Employment Opportunities - Excellent Benefits
Job Description: Select the following link to view full job description: Nature Program Coordinator I - Environmental Education
The Park Ridge Park District is an equal opportunity employer.
