Culture & Arts Education Specialist (Austin Nature & Science Center/Parks and Recreation Department)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Associates Degree in related field plus one (1) year of experience in programming cultural arts programs.
• Experience may substitute for education up to two (2) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Culture & Arts Education Specialist position is to plan, develop, and lead programming for Nature's Way Preschool, play an integral role in break camps/summer camps, and assist with special events. Responsibilities will include leading staff meetings, developing curriculum, and facilitating trainings for new team members.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as "See Resume" will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant's needs and safety issues.

Other:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience developing, planning, and leading science education and outdoor recreation programs, including risk-management and safety protocols.
• Experience developing, modifying, and teaching early childhood (ages 3-5) program activities to accommodate various needs, abilities, and interests.
• Experience teaching classes outside year-round in all types of weather.
• Experience conducting guardian/teacher conferences.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of tenets of nature-based education, inquiry-based learning, emergent curriculum, and early childhood education standards.
• Knowledge and demonstration of effective classroom behavior management skills.
• Knowledge of Texas Health and Human Services ( THHS ) Child Care Regulation policies and procedures.
• Intermediate level or above in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Teams and Outlook.
• Ability to fluently communicate (reading writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Conducts need assessments and recommends operating procedures for programs, services and activities.

Implements, monitors, evaluate, and improves programs and activities, workshops, and special events.

Designs and produces promotional materials. Performs routine administrative operations.

Develops, registers, schedules and conducts guided tours, workshops, demonstrations and other events

Maintains and cares for day-to-day management of facilities ,collections, exhibits, records, material assets Assists in monitoring, updating and improving the facilities, collections, and equipment. Assists colleagues in the management and care of their assigned programs.

Recommends purchases or deaccessions to existing collections.

Receives fees, issue receipts, and accounts for all money

Coordinates with other organizations to implement programs and activities and solicit donations.

Provides participants and the general public with information

Develops, compiles and monitors program budgets and data for reports,.

Orders, issues, receives, and maintains inventory of equipment and supplies

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provide general supervision of temporary employees, contract workers, and volunteers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of cultural education programs and appropriate care of exhibit materials.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of and promoting products.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and software.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.