Nature Center Coordinator (#RA0715)
$24.05-$29.24 Hourly / $4,169.05-$5,067.51 Monthly / $50,028.70-$60,810.20 Yearly

Under general supervision, recruits and develops volunteers to assist in the staffing and maintenance for the Oak Grove Nature Center and the adjacent interpretive trail at Oak Grove Regional Park; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

The Nature Center Coordinator supports assigned programs and volunteer services for the Nature Center; assists with development of programs and exhibits; and promotes Center visitation.

• Assists in the development of programs and exhibits designed to interpret the natural history of Oak Grove Park.
• Promotes Oak Grove Nature Center visitation through outreach to individuals and groups served by the Center and its programs; solicits support by contacting individuals and organizations who can assist the Center in achieving its objectives; seeks and develops grant and other fund raising opportunities to assist in offsetting the Nature Center program costs.
• Recruits and trains volunteers for the Center; ensures that the Center facility and its collections are maintained utilizing the assistance of volunteer staff or County employees.
• Works closely with the Oak Grove Docent support organization; coordinates with the Docent organization to ensure adequate volunteer are available to staff the Center during visitor hours and to conduct educational tours.
• May be required to perform basic janitorial services for the Nature Center Building to assist in keeping exhibit, building, furniture and restroom facilities cleaned and stocked.
• May provide for the care and upkeep of a living animal exhibit, as required.

Education: Completion of 60 semester units at an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies, or related field.

Experience: One year experience or 2080 volunteer hours in a science, nature, or environmental program providing exhibit creation or care, interpretation, program presentation, grant writing, training, or related duties.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Principles of biological science, specifically ecology; methods and techniques of oral presentations; methods and techniques to recruit, train, and retain volunteers; public relations techniques; principles and techniques of marketing and promotion; fundamentals of written composition and editing; principles grant writing and acquisition; use computers, software applications, applicable presentation tools, and related equipment.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; develop informational presentations for targeted groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and the public; coordinate and motivate volunteers; prepare grants; solicit support for the program; meet deadlines and work within budget; basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software; follow oral and written directions; perform basic janitorial services.

Mobility -- Operation of a data entry device, constant walking and standing for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending, squatting, crawling, driving; Lifting –frequently 5 - 50 pounds; Vision – good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; good field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity –normal dexterity and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Special Requirements –  working weekends and holidays;  may require overtime evening work; Emotional/psychological – frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; working alone; Environmental – frequent exposure to noise, cold/heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, and varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.