Public Engagement Assistant (Education)

POSITION TITLE:  Assistant, Public Engagement ( Education)   (Hourly)
REQUISITION #:  req7862 
DEPARTMENT:  Natural Areas 
LOCATION:  NIX SITE OFFICE BLDG 
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:  Part-Time Hourly 
HOURLY RATE:   $19.00 - 22.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)
SELECTION PROCESS:  Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 11/19/2024. 

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) required.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job Summary
The hourly Public Engagement Assistant supports Natural Areas Department community education programming and special events. The primary duties are coordinating and staffing special events where Natural Areas has a table/booth, supporting activities that are listed in the Explorer publication, staffing school field trips, and supporting Club Outdoors, a summer program for Boys & Girls Club members. There is opportunity to work on other Public Engagement Team efforts as the Assistant’s skills, interest and capacity allows.

The Assistant works year-round on a variable schedule. The schedule January-May and September-December is typically Tuesday-Friday with some Saturdays (primary duty is supporting school field trips and events). Then June-August, the schedule has more weekend work, usually Wednesday-Saturday or Thursday-Sunday (primary duty shifts to public programming and special events). Evening work is included. The variable schedule is worked out in advance and has some flexibility. 

Spanish language ability is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Implements programs to educate community members and stakeholders about City strategies and resources.
• Supports educational activities and lesson plans that reflect a variety of program delivery models.
• Conducts public education and outreach for diverse audiences.
• Assists with planning and co-leads activities for diverse audiences including presentations, events, school field trips, workshops, classes, and educational outreach.
• Prepares, designs, and disseminates audience-appropriate messaging, materials, related marketing, and educational and informational campaigns (as needed and with assistance from Public Engagement Specialists).
• Administers and maintains strategic sponsorships and partnerships to foster an engaged community.
• Meets deadlines and uses time, materials, and resources efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Works with volunteers including training, retention activities, project supervision and logistics, safety, recognition, communication and evaluation. 
• Uses appropriate safety practices.
• Maintains equipment inventory and prepares supplies for activities.
• Collects, compiles, and reports program data and survey results.
• Assists with work planning, budget preparation and record-keeping.
• May direct the work of interns or volunteers.
• Operates 14 passenger van to transport participants to and from programs.
• This job description is a living document and may not be all-inclusive. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. This position requires regular attendance at the workplace.

Management Responsibilities:
No

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

 Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities 
• Demonstrated knowledge of educational learning styles and communication techniques that are audience-appropriate.
• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum development, including forming instructional objectives and selecting appropriate materials.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. Effective public speaking skills.
• Capable of working as a member of a team, as well as independently.
• Knowledge of principles of interpretation and public outreach.
• Understanding of effective public relations, marketing, and promotional concepts and objectives.
• Ability to deal with stressful situations and deadlines.
• Proven skills facilitating or leading discussions with a variety of groups.
• Ability to interact with members of City staff, other agencies, and general public.
• Excellent customer service, presentation, communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to train and mentor volunteers, use volunteer management software, manage groups, communicate effectively, and accept and give feedback.
• Skills in evaluating public engagement activities and learners including quality and outcome-based metrics.
• Ability to drive vans that hold 14 or more people.

Education Requirements
Minimum/Preferred Education Level Description
Minimum College degree or equivalent work experience. Some positions may require functionally related certification or advanced degrees Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business, non-profit management, environmental science, education, natural resources, or related field.

Experience Requirements
At least three (3) years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certifications
-Valid Colorado driver's license. 
-Certified Interpretive Guide or Trainer (National Association for Interpretation), and Environmental Educator certification (Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education) preferred.

 
 The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities.  Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.
 
Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:
 Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body.  The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy. 

 The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. 
 
 POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK AND MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT (MVR) REQUIRED.
 
 Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.