Discovery Center Specialist - Temporary

JOB SUMMARY

The Discovery Center Specialist enhances community engagement by hosting interactive programs, workshops, and events that support environmental education and outreach. This role manages native plant propagation, demonstration gardens, and facility operations to create an inviting and educational experience for visitors. The specialist also supports camp curricula, coordinates volunteers and interns, and builds partnerships with community groups to expand the Center's reach and impact.

Employment Details:

20 hours a week June 1, 2026

• September 11, 2026 This is a temporary position and will not extend beyond the designated timeframe unless an extension is formally approved by the City Manager's Office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensures the Discovery Center facility, exhibits, and grounds are well-maintained and welcoming by overseeing routine upkeep, coordinating repairs, maintaining orderly appearance, and supporting safe care for animal exhibits. Manages and advances the native plant program, including propagation, nursery operations, and demonstration gardens, while coordinating seasonal plant sales and supporting City landscape needs. Develops and delivers educational and community engagement programming by coordinating Discovery Center events, supporting camp curricula, leading volunteer and intern participation, and cultivating partnerships that broaden outreach and impact. Supports habitat conservation efforts by contributing to restoration projects, native plant propagation, and volunteer coordination within the Habitat Conservation Program.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in geography resource and environmental studies, biology, horticulture or related field. Two (2) years of experience working with horticulture and native plants. Experience with coordinating volunteers. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of and experience with Central Texas native plants

• aquatic and terrestrial preferred

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of native Central Texas plant species, propagation practices, and sustainable horticulture principles. Knowledge of community engagement strategies, event coordination practices, and educational program support. Skill in clear and effective verbal and written communication to maintain positive relationships with City staff, community groups, contractors, vendors, and the public. Skill in training, supervising, and providing feedback to interns, volunteers, and other assigned personnel. Ability to coordinate multiple projects, schedules, and stakeholders while maintaining a welcoming and professional environment. The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage United Healthcare Choice Plus PPO Plan Prescription Drug Plan Wellness Initiatives Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7 Dental Plan Davis Vision Insurance Base Vision Plan Premium Vision Plan Laser Vision Correction discounts Retirement Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS) Mission Square Retirement Corporation

• optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth

IRA ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Flexible Spending Accounts City paid Life and AD&D Insurance Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance Employee Assistance Program Vacation Sick Leave Holidays Longevity Pay Tuition Reimbursement Activity Center Membership Direct Deposit The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time:

Continuous

ABOUT THE COMPANY

City of San Marcos, TX 512-393-8060 The City of San Marcos is dedicated to providing excellent service to our residents and maintaining our high quality of life. Business, industry, education, retail, and government make up the backbone of the San Marcos economy. The City of San Marcos works closely with all of our community partners to help our community become a thriving, job-producing city with opportunities for all. Discovery Center Specialist

• Temporary San Marcos, TX $18 an hour
• Temporary, Part-time $18 an hour
• Temporary, Part-time

JOB SUMMARY

The Discovery Center Specialist enhances community engagement by hosting interactive programs, workshops, and events that support environmental education and outreach. This role manages native plant propagation, demonstration gardens, and facility operations to create an inviting and educational experience for visitors. The specialist also supports camp curricula, coordinates volunteers and interns, and builds partnerships with community groups to expand the Center's reach and impact.

Employment Details:

20 hours a week June 1, 2026

• September 11, 2026 This is a temporary position and will not extend beyond the designated timeframe unless an extension is formally approved by the City Manager's Office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ensures the Discovery Center facility, exhibits, and grounds are well-maintained and welcoming by overseeing routine upkeep, coordinating repairs, maintaining orderly appearance, and supporting safe care for animal exhibits. Manages and advances the native plant program, including propagation, nursery operations, and demonstration gardens, while coordinating seasonal plant sales and supporting City landscape needs. Develops and delivers educational and community engagement programming by coordinating Discovery Center events, supporting camp curricula, leading volunteer and intern participation, and cultivating partnerships that broaden outreach and impact. Supports habitat conservation efforts by contributing to restoration projects, native plant propagation, and volunteer coordination within the Habitat Conservation Program.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in geography resource and environmental studies, biology, horticulture or related field. Two (2) years of experience working with horticulture and native plants. Experience with coordinating volunteers. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of and experience with Central Texas native plants

• aquatic and terrestrial preferred

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of native Central Texas plant species, propagation practices, and sustainable horticulture principles. Knowledge of community engagement strategies, event coordination practices, and educational program support. Skill in clear and effective verbal and written communication to maintain positive relationships with City staff, community groups, contractors, vendors, and the public. Skill in training, supervising, and providing feedback to interns, volunteers, and other assigned personnel. Ability to coordinate multiple projects, schedules, and stakeholders while maintaining a welcoming and professional environment. The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage United Healthcare Choice Plus PPO Plan Prescription Drug Plan Wellness Initiatives Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7 Dental Plan Davis Vision Insurance Base Vision Plan Premium Vision Plan Laser Vision Correction discounts Retirement Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS) Mission Square Retirement Corporation

• optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth

IRA ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Flexible Spending Accounts City paid Life and AD&D Insurance Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance Employee Assistance Program Vacation Sick Leave Holidays Longevity Pay Tuition Reimbursement Activity Center Membership Direct Deposit The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time:

Continuous

ABOUT THE COMPANY

City of San Marcos, TX 512-393-8060 The City of San Marcos is dedicated to providing excellent service to our residents and maintaining our high quality of life. Business, industry, education, retail, and government make up the backbone of the San Marcos economy. The City of San Marcos works closely with all of our community partners to help our community become a thriving, job-producing city with opportunities for all.