Nature Center Assistant - Intern

Job Summary

Work with Nature Center staff to complete tasks, lead programs and events, attend meetings, and assist in certain divisions within the department while gaining well-rounded experience through the assigned responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Declared major/minor in Natural Resource Management, Human Development and Family Studies, Education or related field of study, or other related degree, with an approved educational institution. 
• Valid driver’s License.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be a United States citizen. This position does not support sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong base of knowledge of the outdoors & natural resources. 
• Experience using Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher. 
• Experience in using social media  
• Experience in instructing groups of various ages. 

Major Duties-(Essential Function)

• Oversee and assist with various Nature Park programs and events which include but are not limited to youth programming, adult programming, and special events. 
• Create, oversee, and implement a new program/event in the intern’s division of choice as it fits the department’s needs and budget.
• Prepare reports and other documents such as activity reports, promotional materials, and agenda items.       
• Attend meetings associated with the department and affiliated groups; including, department staff meetings, and trainings. 
• Maintain a work schedule that fits the department’s programs, events, and meeting needs.
• Communicate with parents regarding the needs and schedule of the programs.  
• Create a list of needed supplies for each program promptly.  
• Assist with the proper upkeep of the Nature Center facility.  
• Maintain a friendly and enthusiastic approach when representing the Larson Nature Center and Brookings Parks & Recreation for park patrons, visiting groups, and program participants.   
• Establish and maintain cooperative planning and working relationships with other public and volunteer community agencies.
• Achieve public relations objectives through speaking engagements and the use of media.
• Shall perform other duties as assigned by the Recreation Manager or designated supervisor.

Physical Demands/Work Environment (Essential Function)

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will frequently stand, walk, talk, hear, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell.
• The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• This position is performed indoors and outdoors, possibly in adverse weather conditions. 
• Employee must be capable of operating miscellaneous office and other equipment relative to this position, including but not limited to: personal computer, copier, motor vehicles, recreation equipment, communication equipment, and related items.

Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts (Essential Function)

• Ability to communicate verbally with children, adults, and co-workers
• Required to present a positive and professional image and appropriately represent the City of Brookings.
• Must ensure the safety of patrons by implementing safety protocols and responding to emergencies. 
• Primarily works with others

Pre-employment Screening

Pre-employment screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:  references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical.                                                    

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‐related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.