Schools in Parks Specialist (8 locations across NC)

THIS POSTING IS FOR EIGHT (8) POSITIONS WITH A MAX SALARY FOR ALL POSITIONS: $64,373. 

 

Coast Region  
CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK - 65035632

HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK - 65035633

MERCHANTS MILLPOND STATE PARK - 65035637
 

East Region 

JONES LAKE STATE PARK - 65035636

Metrolina Region
LAKE NORMAN STATE PARK - 65035630  
 

Triad Region
 

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK - 65035635 

STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK - 65035631

 

West Region 

LAKE JAMES STATE PARK - 65035634
 

Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits

Primary Purpose of Position:

Conduct audience-driven programs for public and school audiences aligned with the Division and Department missions. Engaging, interactive, and scientifically accurate programs are delivered independently and in collaboration with other park staff, school teachers and volunteers. Conduct regularly scheduled programs, classroom activities, impromptu exhibit talks, and “teachable moment” presentations while speaking enthusiastically, professionally, accurately, and articulately to individuals and large groups in a variety of settings.

Key Responsibilities & Position Requirements: 

• Plan and execute formal and informal education age-appropriate school group programs using a variety of props and materials, which may include live animals, for on-site events. 
• developing, implementing, and evaluating school programs, as well as professional development for teachers.
• Design and coordinate new programs and special events for schools and the public.
• Develop and facilitate teacher workshops with internal and external partners and serve as a resource for teachers and community members.
• Work with the interpretation and education team to develop and implement evaluation tools to ensure we are meeting our education goals.
• Evaluate education programs for effectiveness.
• Use A/V equipment to develop and conduct presentations.
• A strong knowledge and understanding of local species and global science issues.
• Perform operational work tasks in areas of natural resources, emergency response and general operations support.
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating interns, volunteers, and temporary education staff.

Some weekend, evening, and holiday work required. Some emergency work may also be required.

Division Description:
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education.
Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina's natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system;
Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and
Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural and cultural heritage.
To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-to-do/state-parks 

Department Information:
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina, literally from A to Z. The Arts to the Zoo, and so much else – parks, aquariums, historic sites, archaeology, African American Heritage Commission, science and history museums, the state Symphony, Library and Archives, historic preservation, land and water stewardship, and more. These places, and the ideas they represent, create a shared identity in North Carolina. They provide common ground. Everyone is welcome. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history.
We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team. Check out this amazing video about our Department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. 
 
Qualified candidates must have or be able to:

1. Experience using methods in the development of interpretive and educational programs and themes of natural sciences, ecology, and the environment.
2. Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating education programs for schools and the general public. 
3. Experience with North Carolina’s DPI’s Standard Course of Study for science, social
    studies, mathematics, and English / Language Arts.
4. Experience developing lesson plans for K-12 students.
5. Plan, design and conduct educational workshops and outdoor education experiences.

Within 30 days of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:

• Must meet DOA Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid NC Driver's License within 30 days of hire.

Within 24 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:

• CPR Certification
• Emergency Medical Responder Certification
• Certified Interpretive Guide
• Wildland Fire Fighting S130/190
• L180 for Level II Firefighter

Within 36 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain:

• Environmental Education Certification
• Fundamentals of Search and Rescue

A skills assessment may be conducted during interview. 
 
Management Prefers:

• Knowledge of evaluation tools and resources for assessing informal programming, and experience developing and implementing teacher professional development programs.
• Ability to lead field trips with recreation components including kayaking, canoeing, hiking or other activities that complement or provide access to educational opportunities and programming

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Bachelor s degree with a major in a natural science field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs

OR 

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.
 
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.

 
Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
 
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. 

To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
 

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax. Please call the human resources office for assistance.
 
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.
 
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).
 
CONTACT INFORMATION: 
N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Parks & Recreation
121 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
DPR.HR.Recruitment@NCParks.Gov

Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.