9D27
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

  This is specialized recreation and environmental education work directing environmental education programs at an environmental center. Work includes participating in and supervising subordinate environmental educators in the planning, preparation and presentation of educational programs based upon the natural resources of the land and its plant and animal life. The employee in this class supervises the development and implementa¬tion of environmental programs and projects 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, contacting community groups to promote activities at the centers, and assuring that activity schedules are established and maintained are significant aspects of the work. Work includes responsibility for planning and organizing specialized programs at the Pennypack or Wissahickon centers. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative superior.

• This position must direct environmental education programs and nature study activities at the Pennypack or Wissahickon Environmental Centers.
• This position must be responsible for planning and organizing specialized programs and activities at the Pennypack or Wissahickon Environmental Centers.
• Only one position may be allocated to this class for each facility.

  Plans, organizes and conducts environmental educational programs at an environmental center, in park watersheds, 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, environmental education and natural lands restoration; conducts walks throughout the center and other park areas explaining plants and visible wildlife signs; shows films related to nature; sets up workshops for children.

  Plans, assigns and reviews the work of staff responsible for the environmental education programs and activities at an environmental center; instructs staff and volunteers on new and changed techniques and information; instructs and trains new employees and volunteers.

  Plans, organizes and conducts natural lands restoration projects such as stream bank control, removal of invasive vines and reforestation; recruits and trains volunteers; demonstrates proper restoration techniques and oversees the work of volunteers.

  Researches magazines and related material to update material used in the programs; maintains contact with school administrators and teachers to determine how environmental education problems 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 the environmental centers; mayprepare grant applications.

  Conducts workshops for teachers; develops and conducts programs directed to special populations such as the blind, hearing impaired or senior citizens.

  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.

  Plans, schedules and assigns routine grounds maintenance tasks such as trail maintenance and building custodial tasks; insures assignments are completed by maintenance staff; submits work orders for building maintenance and follows up with building maintenance staff to insure that repairs are completed in a timely manner.

  Maintain sub-ledger accounts and petty cash funds for the environmental center; prepares reports about center activities; submits reports as required; requests supplies and equipment.

  Reviews requests from volunteer groups to conduct environmental programs or land restoration projects in the center; issues permits; checks work to insure it is properly completed.

  Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the objectives of an environmental center
• the principal methods of organizations, program planning and scheduling
• the identifying characteristics of birds, insects and mammals found in an eastern woodland
• plant communities and ecology of an eastern woodland forest
• the principles and practices of natural lands restoration
• the principles and practices of first-aid
SKILL IN:
• identifying small animals, including birds
• identifying plants and vegetation and their growth characteristics
ABILITY TO:
• plan, schedule, organize, and direct an environmental education program
• maintain records and prepare reports
• maintain an environmental center in its natural setting
• orient, train and supervise subordinates and volunteers
• supervise environmental study programs
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public
• administer first aid

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:

Four years of experience performing specialized recreational and educational work, two years of which have included the development and implementation of environmental education programs and activities at an environmental center.

OR


Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department..

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an Environmental Education Program Specialist, if required by work assignment.