Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor

Under the general supervision of the Coordinator of Community Engagement, this position is responsible for the implementation of short and long-term plans for a comprehensive natural-resources based interpretation, outdoor education, recreation, health and wellness programs with in the County Park System. Organizes, coordinates, conducts, development, and implementation of a wide range of programming. This includes scheduling and direct supervision of part time staff and volunteers; coordinating program equipment and logistics with the park administrative, operations, and education personnel and any other cooperating organizations involved. Responsibility includes efficient planning and monitoring of budget, time, equipment, and resources for staff, scheduling individual school classes, and communications with teachers and school personnel. The Ottawa County Parks serve a diverse group of residents and visitors and employs great effort to provide equitable access to parks, programs, and activities. We are committed to an inclusive workforce that represents the many different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints that are a valuable part of our community. It is our goal that every employee and volunteer feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. This is a full-time, benefited position, working out of the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing located at 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive, MI. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Travel to other park locations may be required. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Prepare course outlines and written lesson plans to Michigan academic/curriculum standards. Prepare for, develop, coordinate instruction, and oversee assigned programs. Schedules and oversees the daily activities of seasonal employees, interns and volunteers as directed by the Coordinator of Community Engagement. Conducts trainings for staff and volunteers in specified curriculum, environmental education, interpretation, health and wellness and awareness and knowledge of natural features found within the County's parks and open spaces. Develops programming and presentations about natural park features, ecosystems and recreational opportunities to a variety of audiences. Daily animal care and husbandry for ambassador animals at the Nature Education Center, ensuring all health, safety, and welfare standards are consistently met. Assist with safe handling, restraint, transport, enclosure cleaning, quarantine procedures, and enrichment activities. Assists in the hiring and supervision of education staff, interns, and volunteers. Determines program equipment and supply needs. Oversees and monitors the procurement, distribution, care, use and maintenance of equipment and supplies. Maintains supply and equipment inventories. Performs set up and clean-up of program including equipment and activity space. Maintains accurate attendance records. Ensures the safety of program participants, co-workers, and the general public by following county policies. If necessary, provides first aid. Reports all incident/accidents to the Supervisor immediately. Completes and submits appropriate accident/incident records and forms. Manages assigned program budgets as directed by the Coordinator of Community Engagement. Performs other functions as assigned. Bachelor's degree combined with three (3) years of experience in the field of education, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with children and others in an outdoor setting (nature center, camp, school, etc.). Experience with program planning, development, and presentation preferred. Ability to communication in Spanish or other language spoken by groups residing in the county is strongly preferred. Must be 21 years of age or older.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Contributes to an environment that promotes and encourages inclusion of staff and program participants Provides excellent internal and external customer service. Creates a positive experience for program participants through professional and courteous behavior. Communicates courteously and cooperatively with other staff and the general public on the phone or in person Ability to operate office equipment and software including phone system, computer (Microsoft 365), and copy machine Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, program participants, and the public

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

Experience working in licensed day-camp setting (8+ weeks cumulative experience). Familiarity with administrative rules governing Michigan day-camp programs. Experience assisting with administrative or program-coordination tasks for grant-funded day camps (e.g., recordkeeping, daily planning, check-in/out procedures).

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are performed both indoor and outdoor. Will include field trips requiring travel by car to offsite locations. Evening and weekend hours are required.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer