Program Coordinator II - Assistant Naturalist

The Program Coordinator II - Assistant Naturalist position is responsible for assisting with the facilitation of environmental education programs for children ranging from kindergarten to middle school through the Junior Ranger Academy program funded by the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Inspire grant. Westy POWER-PODER, a GOCO Generation Wild coalition in Westminster whose name stands for "Promoting the Outdoors through Wellness, Education & Recreation" (POWER) and "Promoviendo Oportunidades de Educación Recreativas" (PODER), connects families and youth with nature to promote nature, wellness and literacy to under-served populations. This position develops and presents culturally relevant information to children on the park's natural resources and history. Applicants must be 18 years of age and able to work on varied shifts that include weekends and holidays.

Benefits:

• Receive CPR, First Aid, and AED certification good for 2 years
• Express creativity through the creation of promotional material
• Gain knowledge of the city's computer software program called RecTrac
• Obtain animal care experience
• Receive free access to City of Westminster Recreation Facilities
• Gain experience as a Naturalist leading public programs 

This position will start on April 8, 2025 and end on August 9, 2025. It is part-time from April to early June and full-time from early June to August. This position does require working Saturdays from June to August.

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on the qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service- People- Integrity- Respect- Innovation- Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational, and informational services and resources and acquiring, developing, and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space, and trails. This position works toward the accomplishment of the department's mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness, and literacy.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES

Citywide- Every employee in this position is accountable to:

• Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
• Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-development
• Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
• Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership of job performance
• Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product

Job Specific- Every employee in this position must be able to:

• Assists with coordinating, developing, implementing, and leading nature education programs on and offsite under the supervision of the Park Naturalist and Open Space Supervisor
• Follows written and verbal instructions
• Works with the public with a focus on youth ranging from kindergarten to middle school
• Assists with live animal care for a small collection of reptiles and observational bee hives
• Establishes effective working relationships with other employees
• Performs multiple tasks efficiently
• Handles emergencies quickly and calmly such as injuries and traffic accidents
• Carries out any immediate first aid necessary
• Works in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and RecTrac
• Operates standard office equipment such as copy and fax machines, personal computers, and telephone
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper telephone and e-mail etiquette

All employees are expected to provide excellent customer service, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, display professionalism and integrity, work efficiently, effectively, and accurately, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, solve problems, display good judgment, take ownership for delivering a high-quality product or service, have regular and punctual attendance and effectively handle emergencies.Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Tasks

 1.  Aids with interpretive programs for Junior Rangers (ages kindergarten to middle school)

• Assists with the creation and design of well-organized and engaging programs under the guidance of the Open Space Park Naturalist
• Presents or facilitates programs at Standley Lake and other Westminster Parks and Open Spaces as well as off-site locations
• Maintains a safe atmosphere for children from kindergarten to middle school
• Uses computers and Microsoft Excel, Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint

2.  Assists with the logistics of nature excursions for Junior Ranger Academy i.e., scheduling and promoting programs, securing reservations, researching location sites, scheduling staff and supervising participants

 3.  Develops, delivers, and assists with City of Westminster nature education programs with an emphasis on Westminster Open Space including but not limited to enrolling participants, collecting fees, creating programs, and presenting material

 4.  Assists in maintaining vehicles and storage locations in a clean, neat, and safe manner including rental vehicles

 5.  Inventories, maintains and cleans program equipment, supplies, and vehicles at various locations

 6.  Aids with scheduling, promoting, and creating marketing and promotional material for interpretive programs including brochures, flyers, website posts, online advertisements, and posters

 7.  Maintains regular and punctual attendance

Other Duties and Responsibilities

 1.  Assists with special events in other program areas such as volunteer events

 2.  Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretionEducation, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications

Required:

• A minimum of 18 years of age
• 1 year minimum experience in developing youth education programs
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid driver's license
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a CPR and Standard First Aid Certificate within thirty (30) days of employment
• Must be able to pass a background check and have a safe driving record

Preferred:

• Previous experience in an educational setting, preferably in recreation, natural resources, or similar capacity
• College-level courses relating to education and/or life sciences
• Interpretive Guide Certification preferably in recreation, natural resources, or similar capacity
• Knowledge of RecTrac, Publisher, or similar computer software programs

Physical Requirements

This position requires a low degree of physical stamina and strength, including the ability to:

• Frequently sit, stand, and walk through a multi-level facility
• Occasionally squat, bend, kneel, twist, climb, balance, and reach overhead 
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds
• Constantly use hands and fingers for fine manipulation; occasionally use light and firm grasp
• Frequently see objects up close when performing office tasks and far away to observe activity for safety hazards or problems 
• Constantly use hearing to interact with guests and staff and recognize trouble outside of view

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is constantly performed indoors and outdoors, exposing workers to periods of high activity and stress under demanding conditions. The position requires a great deal of communication with City employees, the public, and outside agencies.

Required Materials and Equipment

Computer, cash register, telephone, photocopy machine, fax machine, files, and other standard office equipment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check, and substance screen. There may be additional pre-employment requirements depending on the nature of the position.

We are a caring, courteous, team-oriented organization committed to public service excellence. Employees thrive in a culture that is respectful, professional, and diverse. Our work culture encourages passionate, positive, and enthusiastic employees. Westminster is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.