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Recreation Specialist

Lake Metroparks

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Recreation Specialist: Part-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $13.00 starting hourly rate to $16.00 maximum hourly rate

Pay Grade: PT | Starting salary based on prior experience and education.

Location: Environmental Learning Center, Concord, OH 44077

Position Summary

Lake Metroparks is seeking a part-time Recreation Specialist to plan, prepare, and deliver educational and recreational programs for K–12 students, families, organized groups, and the general public under the direction of the Outdoor Connections Manager. Programs may include outdoor recreation skills, environmental education, natural history, life sciences, and seasonal activities. This position also supports summer camp programming, facility operations, rentals, and special events while representing Lake Metroparks in a professional, service-oriented manner.

This position requires a flexible part-time schedule of up to 28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed. During the summer season, hours may increase based on camp and program needs.

Position Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in recreation, environmental education, natural or physical science, education, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience working with and/or teaching children is required. One (1) to two (2) years of boating experience, including kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or related watercraft experience, preferred. Instructional, coaching, camp, or recreation programming experience preferred. Motorboat operation experience preferred. Ohio Boater Education Course certification is required by the start of the boating season. Must possess a valid driver’s license and remain insurable under the Park District’s liability policy. First aid, CPR, or other safety-related certification may be required based on program assignment. Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check. Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed. Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to programs, camps, rentals, and special events. Must be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Must be able to operate Park District vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Required Training: All Park District employees must complete and maintain required training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, harassment prevention, workplace violence prevention, emergency communication, personal protective equipment, and additional job-specific training.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Plans, prepares, and presents educational and recreational programs for schools, youth groups, families, community groups, and the general public. Leads or assists with outdoor recreation activities, environmental education programs, natural history lessons, life science activities, and other assigned program topics. Assists with the planning, preparation, supervision, and delivery of summer camps and seasonal programs. Provides courteous customer service and front desk coverage at assigned facilities as needed. Serves as a room host for facility rentals, including setup, monitoring, guest assistance, and closing duties at assigned locations. Assists with preparation, staffing, and on-site support for special events, programs, and community activities. Maintains program areas, materials, supplies, and equipment in a safe, clean, and organized manner. Operates Park District vehicles, basic office equipment, and program-related equipment in accordance with policies, procedures, and safety expectations. Follows all applicable safety procedures, reports hazards or incidents promptly, and supports a safe environment for participants, visitors, volunteers, and staff. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

☒ This position has no supervisory duties.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Computer Expertise Required / Equipment Operated

Proficient with computers, web-based programs, email, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office products. Ability to use virtual meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, or similar applications. Ability to safely operate basic office equipment, Park District vehicles as assigned, and light program-related tools and equipment.

Additional Information

This position requires the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge

Basic knowledge of environmental education concepts, outdoor recreation activities, natural history, life sciences, and native Ohio plants and animals. Knowledge of age-appropriate teaching methods and strategies for engaging children, families, school groups, and diverse audiences. Knowledge of general safety practices related to outdoor programs, camps, water-based activities, rentals, and public events.

Skills

Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills. Skill in engaging small and large groups in educational, recreational, and interpretive settings. Skill in providing professional, courteous, and responsive customer service. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prepare materials, supplies, and program spaces effectively. Demonstrated enthusiasm for public service, outdoor education, recreation, and working with diverse audiences.

Abilities

Ability to stimulate interest and excitement about programs, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and Lake Metroparks. Ability to interact with visitors, participants, volunteers, co-workers, and supervisors with tact, courtesy, and professionalism. Ability to manage multiple tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and remain composed in a fast-paced public service environment. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to safely use ladders, small tools, program equipment, and motor vehicles when required. Ability to exercise sound judgment, follow established procedures, and respond appropriately to participant needs, safety concerns, and changing conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands to handle materials or equipment, reach with hands and arms, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and maintain balance. The position requires the ability to move throughout indoor and outdoor program areas, including classrooms, visitor spaces, trails, docks, shorelines, natural surfaces, and other uneven or slippery terrain. The employee may assist with program, camp, rental, and event setup and cleanup; transport supplies; load and unload equipment; and regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds with assistance or appropriate equipment. Visual abilities are required to observe participants, read program materials, operate assigned equipment, drive when assigned, and maintain awareness of surroundings to support safe program delivery.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in both indoor and outdoor settings, including classrooms, visitor areas, program spaces, parks, trails, waterfront areas, rental facilities, and special event locations. Outdoor work may occur in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, wind, and precipitation. The employee may interact frequently with children, families, school groups, visitors, volunteers, and staff and must maintain a professional, safe, and service-oriented environment.

The work environment may include moderate noise, uneven or slippery surfaces, insects, plants, wildlife, watercraft or waterfront conditions, vehicle traffic, and routine exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, or outdoor allergens. The employee may be required to wear a District-provided uniform and use personal protective equipment when conditions or assignments require it.

Potential Hazards

Potential hazards are generally associated with outdoor recreation, educational programming, camps, rentals, and special events. These may include exposure to changing weather conditions, sun, heat, cold, insects, plants, wildlife, water-related conditions, uneven or slippery surfaces, lifting or moving program equipment, vehicle or pedestrian traffic, and routine use of light program materials and equipment. The employee is expected to follow established safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment when required, and promptly report unsafe conditions, incidents, or equipment concerns.

General Expectations

The employee must demonstrate a commitment to the mission, values, and service expectations of Lake Metroparks; treat visitors, participants, volunteers, and staff with respect; support a safe and welcoming environment; and perform duties in a professional, ethical, and dependable manner.

Benefits

Lake Metroparks offers a comprehensive benefits package for part-time employees, including:

OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership Agency discounts

To Apply

Apply online at https://www.lakemetroparks.com/about-us/job-opportunities/.