9D27
PAY RANGE: N18
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is specialized recreation and environmental education work directing environmental education programs at an environmental center. Work includes participating in and supervising subordinate environmental educators in the planning, preparation and presentation of educational programs based upon the natural resources of the land and its plant and animal life. The employee in this class supervises the development and implementation of environmental and outdoor recreation programs and projects for the visiting public as well as outreach programs for public, private schools and community groups. Publicizing and promoting environmental education and outdoor recreation, maintaining good community relationships, contacting community groups to promote activities at the centers, and assuring that activity schedules are established and maintained are significant aspects of the work. Work includes responsibility for planning and organizing specialized programs at the Cobbs Creek, Pennypack, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, or Wissahickon centers. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Positions in this class must direct environmental education programs and nature study activities at the Cobbs Creek, Pennypack or Wissahickon Environmental Centers or the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center.
2. Positions in this class must be responsible for planning and organizing specialized programs and activities at the Cobbs Creek, Pennypack or Wissahickon Environmental Centers or the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center.
3. Only one position shall be allocated to this class for each facility.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Plans, organizes and conducts environmental education and outdoor recreation programs at an environmental center, in park watersheds, at schools or in after school programs through an outreach program; initiates, researches and develops a wide range of instructional and recreational programs in natural history, environmental education and natural lands restoration; conducts walks throughout the center and other park areas explaining plants and visible wildlife signs; shows films related to nature; sets up workshops for children.
Plans, assigns and reviews the work of staff responsible for the environmental education and outdoor recreation programs and activities at an environmental center; instructs staff and volunteers on new and changed techniques and information; instructs and trains new employees and volunteers.
Plans, organizes and conducts natural lands restoration projects such as stream bank control, removal of invasive vines and reforestation; recruits and trains volunteers; demonstrates proper restoration techniques and oversees the work of volunteers.
Researches magazines and related material to update material used in the programs; maintains contact with school administrators and teachers to determine how environmental education problems can be used to augment the school's educational resources and curriculum; coordinates study program topics with teachers to complement classroom material.
Participates in the research and compilation of information to obtain grant money for the environmental centers; may prepare grant applications.
Conducts workshops for seasonal staff and teachers; develops and conducts programs directed to special populations such as the visual or hearing impaired, individuals with disabilities or older adults.
Patrols the environmental center to determine any violations of the center's grounds and facilities; advises violators of wrongdoings; notifies authorities of violations of center facilities and grounds.
Plans, schedules and assigns routine grounds maintenance tasks such as trail maintenance and building custodial tasks; insures assignments are completed by maintenance staff; submits work orders for building maintenance and follows up with building maintenance staff to ensure that repairs are completed in a timely manner.
Maintains sub-ledger accounts and petty cash funds for the environmental center; prepares reports about center activities; submits reports as required; requests supplies and equipment.
Maintains a social media presence to promote environmental center activities and programs.
Reviews requests from volunteer groups to conduct environmental programs or land restoration projects in the center; issues permits; checks work to insure it is properly completed.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the objectives of an environmental center
· the principal methods of organizations, program planning and scheduling
· the identifying characteristics of birds, insects and mammals found in an eastern woodland
· plant communities and ecology of an eastern woodland forest
· the principles and practices of natural lands restoration
· the principles and practices of first-aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
SKILL IN:
· identifying small animals, including birds
· identifying plants and vegetation and their growth characteristics
ABILITY TO:
· plan, schedule, organize, and direct an environmental education and outdoor recreation programs
· maintain records and prepare reports
· maintain an environmental center in its natural setting
· orient, train and supervise subordinates and volunteers
· supervise environmental study programs
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public
· administer first aid and CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 6/18.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in forestry, biology, wildlife management, conservation, or a related field.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience in an interpretive or environmental educational program, which has included conducting programming, and/or outreach programs to school students, or the public.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience performing specialized recreational and environmental educational work participating in the development and implementation of environmental education programs and activities at an environmental center.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included a bachelor’s degree.
City of Philadelphia Class(es) that Typically meet the Minimum Specific Experience:
Environmental Education Planner (9D28)
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an Environmental Education Program Specialist, if required by work assignment.
Class Established 3/90
Spec. Revision:
CSC - 9/07
Ad. Board - 11/07
Spec. Revision:
CSC – 5/18
Ad. Board – 6/18
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC – 8/24
Ad. Board – 9/24
CP