Stephen F. Austin State University

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Texas Outdoor Family Regional Lead, this position performs routine to moderately complex (journey level) training assistance work which includes supporting the Outdoor Education Specialists in organizing, planning, directing, and evaluating Texas Outdoor Family programs at multiple State Parks throughout the state. Serves primarily as an assistant instructor for assigned public programs and hosts partner programs independently. Promotes Texas Outdoor Family through regional outreach events, marketing, and helps maintain social media presence. Responsible for the transport, maintenance and storage of all equipment necessary to deliver Texas Outdoor Family programs. Delivers other outdoor education programs, trainings, and administrative tasks related to the program. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from High School or GED.

Experience:

Six months experience conducting instructional or educational programs.

Licensure:

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Texas class "C" driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Experience:

Six-months non-paid outdoor recreation or education experience obtained from training, education and volunteering may substitute for the required experience. Dates and hours per week must be reflected on application to award appropriate experience. Certificates of completion may be required to verify experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas: Park Administration, Recreation & Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Conservation, Geography, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology/Archeology, Sociology, or closely related field.

Experience:

Experience in outdoor education instruction in activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, or related activities;

Functional park operations or camp experience;

Interpretation or outdoor education to large groups;

Experience in training others;

Experience maintaining recreation equipment such as tents, kayaks, and bikes;

Experience in customer service;

Experience in public speaking.

Licensure:

Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) issued by the National Association of Interpretation (NAI);

Leave No Trace Instructor;

Project Wild Instructor;

American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor;

Wilderness First Aid or Responder;

CPR/First Aid/AED.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of outdoor camping ethics and sustainable recreation in public spaces;

Knowledge of outdoor education and interpretive principles;

Knowledge of camping equipment maintenance;

Knowledge of safety in the outdoors;

Knowledge of barriers to outdoor participation with different groups;

Knowledge of training procedures and techniques;

Skill in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Social Media, and video editing and conferencing equipment;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skilled in preparing and delivering creative state park recreation or interpretive programs for both adults and children;

Skill in coordinating and evaluating volunteers;

Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner;

Skill in effective interaction with staff at all levels of the department and other state agencies and organizations;

Skill in the management of details regarding event planning, camping, and training equipment;

Skill in managing groups and group safety in outdoor settings;

Skill in instructing others;

Ability to prepare and complete correspondence, reports, presentations, and special assignments;

Ability to create virtual video content;

Ability to post and review social media content;

Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision;

Ability to work as a member of a team;

Ability in conducting marketing and outreach efforts to promote outdoor education programs;

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions;

Ability to work and communicate with diverse audiences in a professional and courteous manner;

Ability to prepare and deliver creative educational/interpretive programs for both adults and children;

Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner;

Ability to perform manual labor including, lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.;

Ability to conduct work activity in accordance with TPWD safety program;

WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to work in a public park with overnight camping and day use;

Required to work 30 hours per week, includes various schedules with hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays;

Required to work a minimum of 20 hours for 12 weekends (Friday-Sunday);

Required to travel 85% with overnight stays in tents at a state park;

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety standards;

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions;

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.