9D28
PAY RANGE: EP 16
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is specialized recreational and environmental educational work participating in the development and implementation of environmental education programs for a department-wide environmental educational program or at an environmental center. Included in the work is planning, preparing and presenting educational programs based upon the natural resources of the land and water and its plant and animal life for the visiting public as well as outreach programs for public, private schools and community groups. Publicizing and promoting environmental education, maintaining good community relationships, and recruiting, training and directing volunteers and contracted personnel are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior. Work involves some disagreeable aspects and light physical effort.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class).
1. Positions must be responsible for developing and implementing environmental programs and activities for a department-wide environmental educational program or at an environmental center.
2. Positions must be responsible for publicizing these programs, planning and scheduling these programs with the community and school groups and recruiting and training volunteers.
3. An employee in this class must work at a Parks and Recreation environmental center or for the Water Department Public Affairs Division.
4. Only one position will be allocated to this class for a department-wide environmental educational program.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Plans, organizes and conducts environmental educational programs at an environmental center, in park watersheds, WaterWorks or drinking water and water treatment plants, 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 and environmental topics, and natural lands restoration; conducts walks throughout the center or watershed explaining plants, source water protection, and visible wildlife signs; shows films related to nature subjects; sets up workshops for children.
Plans, organizes and conducts natural lands restoration projects; recruits and trains volunteers; demonstrates proper restoration techniques and oversees the work of volunteers.
Researches magazines and related material to update material needed to present programs; maintains contact with school administrators and teachers to determine how the environmental center or environmental programming 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 Parks and Recreation or Water Department environmental centers or programs.
Conducts workshops for teachers to instruct them in the use of the environmental center; develops, trains and instructs volunteers on new and changed techniques and information; conducts programs directed to special populations such as the blind, hearing impaired, or senior citizens.
Initiates publicity for the center or program; requests informational material and signs for advertising programs; assists in the development of calendar of events for activities; sets up displays and exhibits for programs; arranges for guest speakers and secures volunteers to assist in large events.
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.
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.
May direct the activities of seasonal staff and schedules and assigns routine grounds maintenance tasks such as trail maintenance and building custodial tasks.
Performs related work as required.
WATER DEPARTMENT ASSIGNMENT
Plans and develops environmental education programs collaborating with Water Department staff; integrates science based information into programs and activities; plans and delivers plant tours to drinking water and wastewater treatment plants for middle, high and post-secondary students; coordinates outreach to community on Science Technology Engineering Architecture and Mathematics (STEAM) and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs and plans; develops intensive summer programming for middle and high school students; plans and attends watershed stewardship events; collaborates with education partners to develop shared programming.
PARKS AND RECREATION ASSIGNMENT
Identifies characteristics of birds, insects and mammals found in an eastern woodland; plans and develops programs collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Staff; Organizes and conducts natural lands restoration projects such as stream bank control, removal of invasive vines and reforestation.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the objectives of an environmental center
· the principal methods of program planning and scheduling
· plant communities and ecology of an eastern woodland forest for the Parks and Recreation assignment
· Water treatment quality and conservation practices for the Water Department assignment
· first aid
· the theories and practices of environmental science and natural resource protection
SKILL IN:
· identifying small animals, including birds if required by assignment
· identifying plants and their growth characteristics if required by assignment
· engaging the community in the ecosystem related to the area of assignment through outreach and programming
ABILITY TO:
· plan, schedule and organize environmental education programs
· present an informative program on the natural history typical of an eastern woodland or water resources
· maintain an environmental center in its natural setting
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public
· maintain records and prepare reports
· administer first aid
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 8/17.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in forestry, biology, wild life management, conservation or a related field.
AND
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.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included a bachelor’s degree.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSE/REGISTRATION
Possession of a proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the State of Pennsylvania at time of appointment.
Class Established 9/77
Spec. Revision:
CSC - 3/02
Ad. Board 4/02
Spec. Revision:
CSC – 6/17; Ad. Board – 8/17
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC – 11/18; Ad. Board – 12/18
JH