Job Description
Introduction
This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement. In this role, you will support and help coordinate a variety of programs that promote outdoor adventure, team-building, and environmental science education in New Haven's parks. Working alongside Park Rangers and under the guidance of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, you will play a key role in engaging participants of all ages, particularly youth, in nature-based activities. Your responsibilities will range from maintaining trails and outdoor equipment to assisting with program logistics and providing hands-on instruction in both classroom and outdoor settings.
This seasonal position is ideal for individuals with a background or interest in environmental education, outdoor adventure, or recreation. Flexibility is required as the role involves working some evenings and weekends. Applicants should be able to communicate effectively, work well both independently and in teams, and be comfortable working in various outdoor conditions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of New Haven's parks while fostering a deeper connection between the community and the natural environment.
This seasonal position supports programming from May-September.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
This part-time position will support and engage the implementation and coordination of outdoor recreation, team-building activities, environmental science education, and volunteer programs to maintain the City of New Haven's Parks' natural environments. The work will require some evening and weekend work. This position will be under the direct supervision of the program's Park Rangers and under the programmatic supervision of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator.
This employee is responsible for working with Park Rangers to support the instruction of individuals of all ages, focusing on youth engagement and empowerment in natural resource-based activities and learning. This role includes maintaining trails and ranger facilities, maintain outdoor adventure gear and equipment, as well as outdoor education instruction both in classroom and outdoor settings.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Present and support natural history, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages.
Helps set up equipment and materials needed for each program.
Supervises participants of all ages to ensure their enjoyment and safety during activities.
Assists with administrative tasks such as promotion of programming, registration, attendance tracking, record keeping.
Assists in supervision of volunteers and students in nature recreation activities year-round.
Communicates well with program participants, parents and program staff.
Assists with maintaining access, cleanliness and orderliness of program areas and equipment.
Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings and facilities.
Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
Perform related work as required.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Recent high school graduate, college student or recent college graduate. Ability to work with groups ranging from age 5 - 95. Basic First Aid skills, including CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, treatment of allergic reactions, and concussion protocol is highly desirable. Experience in natural history, information interpretation, environmental education or recreation, or a combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Previous experience working with the public, comfortable with public speaking and working with groups. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
A working knowledge of general natural history, organized recreation, and outdoor adventure activities.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work well in a team environment with shared goals.
Ability to work independently, once trained.
Ability to use basic hand tools, battery/electric operated tools and follow instructions pertaining to trail maintenance and improvement of amenities.
Ability to support in delivery of nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or mental challenges.
Ability to work with diverse groups interested in the advocacy of parks programs.
Ability to accurately enter program records and information into spreadsheets and word processing programs.
Effective planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
Must be able to work flexible hours, as programming may include evening and weekend schedules.
Bilingual ability (Spanish preferred) desired but not required.
A valid driver's license is not required but is preferred.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to work in various conditions, including inclement weather such as rain or snow, and a variety or temperatures.
Agility and physical fitness to be mobile and stand for extended periods of time.
SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This "Non Tested" position may be General or Special Funds.
This seasonal position is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of seasonal employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment. Persons may not be employed in two concurrent positions with the City and/or the Board of Education at the same time.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.
Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.
Selection Plan
Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.
It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process
Those persons interested in other Program Aide employment (Youth & Recreation Program Aide ) must also apply for those positions via the corresponding JobAps portal.
We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.
Conclusion
To apply for this opportunity: Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
Review or modify your application for that position
Click "Ready to Send App " or the " Send " tab; read page and click the attestation
Click " Send to City of New Haven "
You will be redirected to " CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION "
You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov
Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position. City of New Haven
Job Tags
Part time, Seasonal work, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,