Park Technician - Education and Programming

Job Description:

Park Technician - Education and Programming

Description

What You'll Be Doing

Looking for a career that sparks your interests, utilizes your unique skills, and makes a direct impact in the local community? Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space is seeking a Park Technician of Education for Lake Crabtree County Park, which includes the 286 Property. We are searching for a dynamic individual with proven program development and delivery skills, essential customer service expertise, knowledge of park operations, and a passion for parks to join our quality-driven team.

As a frontline staff member with diverse responsibilities, the ideal candidate will demonstrate adaptability and excel in interpersonal communication and public relations. Park staff provide a safe and enjoyable park experience through programming, visitor services, daily operations, facility maintenance and resource stewardship.

Lake Crabtree County Park offer highly sought-after services such as outdoor recreation (including mountain biking and boating), cultural history engagement, environmental education and nature viewing.

As a Park Technician of Education & Programming you will:

• Assist creatively with all aspects of programming: development, coordination, implementation and evaluation at Lake Crabtree County Park
• Facilitate engaging recreational, environmental and cultural education experiences for individuals and community group
• Lead and mentor temporary staff members and volunteers
• Commit to culturally competent community engagement
• Adapt to meet community needs in a dynamic environment
• Collaborate with Wake County Communications Team to promote services through print, digital and social media
• Support natural resource stewardship initiatives such as wildlife monitoring project
• Provide excellent customer service while ensuring park facilities are welcoming, clean, safe and accessible
• Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance park offerings.
• Assist with operational tasks including opening/closing facilities, janitorial duties, reservation management and more

About Our Team

Wake County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune and Time magazines as one of the best places to live, work and play - and it’s no surprise. As part of the Community Services Department, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division (we like to call ourselves PROS) is a talented team devoted to ensuring our parks are accessible and welcoming. Our Mission: PROS preserves open space, promotes stewardship, and provides equitable and inclusive education and outdoor recreation for a diverse and growing community. PROS connects people to the things we love most - history, nature and outdoor recreation. As a member of our team, you’ll regularly interact with our community, deliver services that are highly valued by residents and support operations of our parks and facilities. We offer preservation, education and recreation opportunities across our nine parks and three nature preserves 361 days a year. Our parks have never been more popular! We serve nearly 2 million visitors annually and are actively planning and designing new facilities. Our community loves our parks (and so do we!). See for yourself at wake.gov/parks. Lake Crabtree County Park is Wake County’s first park (established in 1988). Its convenient location makes it our most-visited park. The Lake Crabtree team works together daily on tasks such as managing natural resources, preparing events, maintaining trails/buildings/grounds, creating displays/kiosks, opening/closing facilities-and much more!

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of experience working in a park setting, providing educational programming, maintaining facilities or landscaping
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• CPR certification within one year of employment
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, public history, forestry, natural resource or related education field
• Skill with using a variety of technological applications (i.e. Online Registration Software and Microsoft Office Suite)
• Experience with developing marketing materials, using social media platforms and engaging audiences
• Ability to conduct outreach and engagement with culturally diverse audiences
• Ability to communicate effectively and in multiple languages
• Experience teaching recreational, cultural or environmental programs
• Hold or in process of attaining a professional certification such as the NC Environmental Education Certification

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Excellent communication skills. You have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with staff, colleagues, volunteers and partner organizations
• Ability to foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected
• Ability to encourage others to be innovative and create and try new things
• Knowledge of diversity initiatives and ability to execute them. You believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results
• Ability to be resilient, adaptable and self-motivated to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Versatility and adaptability are important in any situation
• Proven flexibility with assigned schedule and job tasks Knowledge of resources, information, trends, developments in park programming
• Ability to model the behavior you want to see in your team members. You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty
• Knowledge and understanding of parks (including cultural programming) and have a solid interest in outdoor recreation and education

About This Position

Location: Lake Crabtree County Park Morrisville, NC 27560

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week including mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

Hiring Range: 22.13 - 28.73

Market Range: 22.13 - 28.73

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 4/6/2025

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Salary:

22.13 - 28.73