Preserve Conservation Educator

GENERAL PURPOSE 

Under general supervision, engages guests and visitors of various ages in conservation education sessions, events and activities throughout Preserve venues; participates in planning, developing, implementing and conducting a variety of programs and activities for audiences including adults, families and youth; tracks program participation and evaluates results; and performs related duties as assigned. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge of: 

Principles, theories and practices of geology, biology, ecology and environmental sciences as they relate to Preserve educational and Nature Exchange programs and activities; Southern Nevada flora, fauna and minerals; basic principles, practices, methods and techniques of educational programming to provide natural science education for school age children through specialized teaching techniques, instructional materials and hands-on activities; basic provisions of Nevada State K-12 curriculum standards; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; administrative practices and procedures, including record keeping and filing practices and procedures; guest and customer service techniques and etiquette; basic project management principles and practices. 

Ability to: 

Lead engaging visitor-focused educational programming; conduct standard research, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective concepts and approaches for informal educational programming and activities; operate a computer, other standard office equipment and standard business and specialized program software; organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility; apply critical thinking skills and insight in identifying and analyzing program and operational issues and needs; present ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse individuals and audiences; work collaboratively in a team environment with managers and staff in a variety of educational, scientific and professional disciplines in developing, implementing and monitoring programs; prepare clear, comprehensive and accurate written materials and records for program and business purposes; represent the Preserve effectively in a variety of public settings; use tact, discretion, courtesy and patience in dealing with sensitive issues and situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, guests, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work. 

Training and Experience: 

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in a natural science, museum studies or education; and one year of responsible experience in educational programming, curatorial work or working with school-age children in a formal or informal educational environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in providing instruction in an outdoors environment is highly desirable. 

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 

A valid Nevada driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS 

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

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle or feel computers, objects or controls; reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; climb or balance and lift up to 25 pounds. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve instructional and group management problems; observe and interpret student, participant and instructional situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform detailed work under intensive deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with managers, employees, guests, volunteers and others encountered in the course of work.