The Environmental Education Supervisor plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of staff responsible for the District’s Environmental Education and Community Outreach activities including interpretive and educational programs, interpretive research, exhibits, and facilities, outdoor recreation, special events, and volunteer services; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area; coordinates assigned activities with other programs, outside agencies, and the public.

This is the full supervisory-level classification responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of environmental education and community outreach staff. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and operations of assigned area. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full range of environmental education and community outreach duties as assigned as well as demonstrate skill in coordinating work with that of other District divisions and public agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of environmental education, public speaking, interpretive services, and docent program goal setting, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Practices of researching program issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles and practices of employee, volunteer, and docent supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and training in work procedures.
• Regional natural and cultural history, including the native fauna, flora, geology, and ethno-history of District parklands, open space, and Monterey County.
• Elementary school aged learning theory and practice, and the State of California’s curriculum standards for K-12 grades.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to environmental education, interpretive services, and docent programs.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Budget development, contract administration, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Principles and practices of research, data collection, and report preparation.
• Record keeping and retention principles and procedures.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Plan, research, organize, coordinate, and implement a variety of activities and programs related to the District’s environmental education, interpretive services, docent programs, and community outreach.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develop effective docent program and recruitment strategies and campaigns; establish and maintain relationships with diverse groups of volunteers and community groups.
• Develop effective environmental education and interpretive services programs that meet state educational standards.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner as directed by a manager.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the press.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in environmental science, natural science, natural history, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies, recreation, or a closely related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in environmental education, recreation and/or park interpretation including three (3) years in a supervisory role.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, a valid California driver license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, a valid Class B Commercial Driver License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of beginning employment with Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, a valid CPR and First Aid certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect open space properties, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is partially a sedentary office and partially a field classification and standing in and walking between work areas and development sites is required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds.

About Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD)

Mission To acquire and maintain open space in the District for preservation and use, working with partners and the community, for public benefit, enjoyment and environmental protection. Vision To have several large well managed parks distributed regionally across the District, representing a variety of habitats, concurrently protecting our environment and enhancing our community’s health, recreational and environmental education opportunities. Values To have safe, accessible open space for recreation enjoyment and protection of natural resources, and native habitat and wildlife.

Connections working at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD)