Recreation Leader – Nature Center Early Childhood Program Coordinator

The Recreation Leader – Nature Center Early Childhood Program Coordinator at Howard County Government in Columbia, MD, develops and implements early childhood programming, including staff training and outdoor education activities. This part-time position (32 hours/week) involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective program delivery and safety. Responsibilities include creating new programs, conducting workshops, and coordinating with volunteers and external organizations.
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for the development and implementation of early childhood and preschool programming and staff training on early childhood learning in coordination with the Robinson Nature Center Director, Program Manager, and Education & Technology Manager.

SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$21.86 – $23.92
• This is a part-time benefitted position: 32 hours per week**

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced technical level recreation services work under general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes ensuring the safe and efficient operation of recreational programs or recreation licensed childcare sites identifying program needs and instructing participants in program activities or regulations; coordinating programs for special populations; and assisting in planning and directing the activities of a recreation licensed childcare site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Leads and oversees early childhood programming.
• Develops new early childhood education programs to include:
• Field trips for preschoolers and early childhood
• Public programs and camps for young children and their parents
• Outdoor preschool programs, “drop-off” programs and camps for preschoolers
• Robinson on the Road experiences for preschoolers
• Program options for home daycare providers that don’t meet minimum field trip/Robinson on the Road numbers
• Activity kits and resource packets (on loan) for teacher-led programs on other open space and parkland near daycare centers and schools
• Works with Nature Center Director and Program Manager to develop policies and procedures for early childhood programs at Robinson Nature Center and those off-site at daycare centers, early learning centers and other outreach locations.
• Works with Maintenance staff, Center Manager, and Program Manager to provide input on development of outdoor classroom spaces for early childhood programs at Robinson Nature Center.
• Researches and purchases equipment and learning tools necessary for early childhood programming.
• Develops and conducts educator workshops & custom trainings to ensure Robinson staff facilitate early childhood experiences and outdoor experiential learning safely and effectively.
• Reviews existing early childhood programs and coordinates with Robinson education staff on any changes needed to ensure inclusion of early childhood learning domains and age-appropriate activities.
• Develops early childhood education program materials for County web site and assists Program Manager in determining marketing approaches for the early childhood community.
• Drafts guide descriptions and marketing materials for new early childhood programs .
• Oversees continued participation and involvement of Master Naturalist volunteers in early childhood education efforts at Robinson Nature Center.
• Researches existing early childhood nature programming and works with external entities including ERAFANS (Eastern Regional Association of Forest and Nature Schools), MAEOE (Maryland Association of Environmental & Outdoor Educators), MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education), HCPSS early child programs, HCFCCA (Howard County Family Child Care Association) and local nature preschools and early childhood centers.
• Assist local preschools and childcare centers in obtaining MAEOE Green School Certification.
• Develops community outreach materials for the general public.
• Attends meetings, conferences and workshops pertinent to the management, preservation and educational potential of early childhood learning and environmental education at the Robinson Nature Center.
• Performs clerical duties associated with the administration of the RNC early childhood education program.
• Trains and supervises early childhood program staff.
• Evaluation of contingent staff yearly in accordance with their anniversary date.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, rosters, participant information forms, and medical authorization records for early childhood program participants.
• Assists the RNC Director and RNC Program Manager with other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position oversees the work and scheduling of contingent staff and volunteers.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Associate Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education or other related field.
• Nature-Based teacher certification.
• Experience working the children ages 2-7 and understanding of child development
• 90-hour MSDE child care certification.
• Working knowledge of biological and ecological principles and two years of practical experience.
• Experience developing and leading early childhood environmental education programs.
• Ability to use various computer software programs such as Word, Excel, Access, etc.
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, and speak effectively before public groups or employees of an organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Possession of a valid driver’s license along with a copy of driving record.

Ability to acquire CPR and First Aid certification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.