Outdoor Adventure Program Specialist #2410-1032-02

This role is a dynamic, part time position responsible for leading and coordinating outdoor recreation, environmental education, and team-building activities within New Haven’s parks. With a strong focus on youth engagement and natural resource-based learning, this position requires collaboration with Park Rangers, Program Aides, and volunteers. You will take on a leadership role, overseeing program implementation, managing volunteers, and ensuring participants’ safety and enjoyment in a variety of educational and recreational settings, both indoors and outdoors.

This position is ideal for those with experience in environmental sciences, education, or recreation, and a passion for nature-based programming. Responsibilities include leading outdoor education initiatives, coordinating field trips, maintaining park facilities and equipment, and performing administrative tasks such as promotion, record keeping, and supply management. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills are essential, as the role involves working with diverse groups, managing volunteers, and engaging with the community at citywide events.

• Present and lead natural history education, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages.
• Communicates with local educators to coordinate field trips and outdoor education experiences.
• Sets up equipment and materials needed for each program.
• Supervises participants of all ages to ensure their enjoyment and safety during activities.
• Conducts administrative tasks such as promotion of programming, registration, attendance tracking, record keeping.
• Leads supervision of volunteers and students in nature recreation activities year-round.
• Communicates well with program participants, parents, educators, and program staff.
• Assists with maintaining access, cleanliness and orderliness of program areas and equipment.
• Assists in choosing and purchasing of supplies and equipment needed for programming.
• Takes inventory, maintains, and organizes supplies and equipment for programming.
• Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings and facilities.
• Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
• Performs related work as required.

High school diploma or equivalent, and at least 1 year in the major concentration of Recreation, Education, Environmental Sciences, or associated field in an accredited institution of higher learning or the equivalent on-the-job experience as an employee or intern at a municipality or school. At least 2 years of experience in communicating natural history, information interpretation, environmental education or recreation, combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Previous experience working with the public, comfortable with public speaking and working with groups. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of local natural history, organized recreation, and outdoor adventure activities.
• Proficient at Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with using basic graphic design platforms and tools.
• Experience with promotion of events and social media management.
• Works well in a team environment with shared goals.
• Ability to work independently, once trained.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, battery/electric operated tools and follow instructions pertaining to trail maintenance and improvement of amenities.
• nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or mental challenges.
• Works well with diverse groups interested in the advocacy of parks programs.
• Ability to accurately enter program records and information into spreadsheets and word processing programs.
• Effective planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, as programming will include evening and weekend hours.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish preferred) desired but not required.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain Connecticut’s Public Passenger endorsement license within one month of hire.
• Ability to work in various conditions, including inclement weather such as rain or snow, and a variety or temperatures.
• Agility and physical fitness to be mobile and stand for extended periods of time

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.