job Title: Temporary Program Specialist

Closing Date/Time:

Fri. 03/01/13 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Salary:

$22.71 – $27.60 Hourly

Job Type:

Temporary 6 Months

Location:

City of Olympia, Washington

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Description  Benefits  Supplemental Questions 
About the Position
The Park Stewardship Program is seeking an individual to successfully organize volunteers to perform stewardship activities in parks and educate children and adults about nature that support the department’s needs and goals.  The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising and managing the daily operations of the Volunteer in the Parks program.  The position will also provide support in the Environmental Education and Park Ranger programs.Note
This position does not offer employee benefits except for what may be required by law, i.e. state retirement plan and workers compensation.  Employment in this position will not exceed six months.Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Experience developing successful programs
  • Experience working with volunteers
  • Experience in public speaking
  • Experience working with diverse community groups and individuals
  • Supervisory experience
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills
  • Experience managing grant funds

To Apply
Apply on-line at:  http://olympiawa.gov/jobs.  Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application.  The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile above.  The deadline for application is 1 March, 2013 at 5 pm.  Only electronic applications are accepted.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, contact Sylvana Niehuser, Park Ranger, at (360) 753-8365 or via email at sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us.

 Examples Of Essential Duties:

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Responsible for completing program duties as assigned, including research, program planning, implementation, program monitoring, and budgeting.
  • Plan and coordinate program activities, events and informational materials specific to the Volunteer in Parks program.
  • Develop and maintain program standards and administer program within legal requirements.
  • Prepare written, statistical and financial reports of program activities and expenditures; research available funding sources; prepare and submit grants; and create and maintain all necessary grant background data.
  • Assist with planning and implementation of Environmental educational programs
  • Assist with the Ranger program and patrols
  • Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

 Typical Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Ability to teach, nurture and inspire citizens of all ages to value and protect nature in our parks
  • Ability to implement a holistic approach to volunteerism that integrates environmental education, maintenance and stewardship
  • Develop and sustain relationships with diverse community groups and individuals
  • Work independently with minimal supervision
  • Communicate effectively with a diverse population
  • Solicit and maintain program support from a variety of organizations, groups and audiences
  • Coordinate and motivate volunteers and public officials to attain program goals
  • Skill in interpersonal conflict/dispute resolution methods
  • Speak persuasively in different settings before a variety of audiences
  • Work cooperatively with diverse staff as a member of a service-oriented team
  • Ability to work in all types of weather and terrain
  • Ability to work weekends and/or evenings is required

Experience/Education:

  • Four years experience in administering a community-oriented program required.  Volunteer program experience preferred.
  • Four year college or university degree in Environmental Science/Studies, Public Relations, Social Science, or Public Administration.  Environmental studies preferred.

Special Requirements

  • Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
  • Ability to work an alternate schedule that includes evenings and/or weekends
  • Candidates must be 18 years or older prior to starting work
  • In accordance with the Child and Adult Abuse Act (RCW 43.43), applicants considered for appointment will be required to undergo a criminal inquiry relating to crimes against persons that will be conducted prior to hire.  Employment is contingent upon acceptable results of the inquiry.

 Supplemental Information:

Contacts:

  • Park Stewardship employees will have frequent contact and interaction with others representing a variety of roles at various levels of authority both inside and outside the organization.
  • Contacts will include representatives of the business community, civic and community groups, schools, local government, state agencies, media and the general public.
  • Diplomacy, professionalism, enthusiasm and strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to gain cooperation and motivate others.

Supervision:

  • Will supervise operations staff and volunteers

Accountability:

  • The Program Specialist is accountable for the quality and effectiveness of assigned programs and events.

Working Conditions:

  • The Program Specialist works in the office and in the field.
  • Field work is necessary that requires bending, stooping, climbing, walking over rough terrain, and exposure to weather conditions.
  • The Program Specialist wears an official uniform that must be worn according to department standards and policy
  • Physical ability to operate hand tools, power tools, transport heavy boxes, displays, and lift heavy objects
  • There is occasional stress related to meeting project and event time lines
  • Stress associated with angry and/or hostile individuals may occur