Outdoor Science Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $16.66 - $35.39 Hourly
Location : Prince William County, VA
Job Type: Part-time Non-benefitted (PN)
Job Number: 202610722
Department: PARKS & RECREATION-SEASONAL AND PROVISIONAL
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
GRADE: A11
Introduction
The Department of Parks and Recreation offers the Science in the Park program to students and staff of Prince William County and surrounding areas. This program was developed to support student learning in environmental sciences, and provide hands-on, meaningful science fieldtrips for students Kindergarten through sixth grade (K-6). The Science in the Park program is aligned with Virginia's 2018 Standards of Learning (SOL) and is a proud partner of Prince William County Public Schools.
Science in the Park Instructors lead grade specific science lessons for students K-6. Lessons are held primarily outdoors at 3 Prince William County Parks: Locust Shade and Lake Ridge Parks on the eastern end of the county, and Silver Lake Park on the western end of the county. Instructors work as part of a team to teach science lessons to groups ranging in size from 8-16 students per group. Additionally, each group of students is supported by school chaperones or other Science in the Park staff.
Science in the Park is seeking fun, organized, and highly motivated individuals to join our incredible team. Instructors should have some experience and interest in nature, as well as experience working with children.
Instructors are responsible for:

• Implementing grade specific lessons and activities as outlined in the curriculum
• Supervising and maintaining safety of participants.
• Ensuring a fun and meaningful experience for those participating in the program.

Science in the Park field trips are held Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. and run seasonally from March 1st through June 1st, then September 1st through November 30th. Science in the Park also leads additional environmental outreach programs throughout the year for all interested employees.
This position has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old and a minimum teaching/instruction experience of 12 months.
All training and required certifications are paid by the county. The Department of Parks and Recreation conducts criminal background checks on all new hires 18 years of age and older. Fingerprinting will be required.
Starting Rate of Pay: $16.66/hour
Please note: positions are open until the end of the advertisement period with ongoing application review.
NATURE OF WORK
This class is part of the Recreation Job Family. Incumbents perform routine work in connection with various recreation
programs or activities. Instructors in this classification teach beginner and intermediate specialty level classes. Example:
beginner/intermediate ballet, tap.jazz, safety, CPR, first aid, mini camps, environmental education and parent/child classes.
May provide daily upkeep and light maintenance of equipment and facility.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable code of conduct rules; providing customer services.
Work is performed in accordance with set procedures and guidelines, and deviation from those guidelines require approval.
TYPICAL CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES (These responsibilities are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
1. Carrying out program plans, activities, and lessons. Sets up equipment or materials needed for a class and cleans up after
program.
2. Provides excellence in customer service by answering questions and providing information to the public.
3. Maintains and prepares equipment and facility and maintains related records.
4. Enforces program and facility rules; provides emergency care and treatment as required.
5. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
KNOWLEDGE
Requires special training in specified activity;
Requires knowledge and experience in specified activity;
Customer service principles;
Basic exercise science principles and theories;
Recordkeeping principles;
Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations;
Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment;
Modern office technology;
Computers and related software applications.
SKILLS
Providing customer service;
Monitoring the use of equipment;
Maintaining basic operational records and reports;
Using a computer and related software applications;
Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards;
Utilizing computers and relevant software applications;
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient
to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Discipline specific responsibilities do not apply to this classification.
LEVEL OF DECISIONS
Responsibilities are typically procedure based with defined goals and processes or methods, but incumbents have the
latitude to determine the speed or order of steps used to complete assignments.
DIRECTION RECEIVED
Incumbents perform tasks following defined procedures and standards, and deviation from procedures typically requires
prior approval.
DIRECTION PROVIDED
Incumbents are typically not responsible for providing formal work direction.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
8th grade education and 0-12 months of related experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 16 years old; May require Federal or State background check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing,
walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Medium Work: May require exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently,
and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor
ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises.
NOTE
The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments
will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is
subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the
County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective
and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.
Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.
The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Seasonal employees

01
This position has a minimum age requirement of 18 years of age. Do you meet this age requirement?

• Yes
• No

02
This position requires a minimum education of an 8th grade education or higher. Please select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• High School Diploma/Equivalent or higher
• Completion of 11th grade
• Completion of 10th Grade
• Completion of 9th Grade
• Completion of 8th grade
• None of the above

03
This position requires a minimum of twelve months (1 year) of teaching/instructional experience. Please select the choice below that best describes your experience teaching/instructing Please ensure this experience is reflected on your application.

• 3+ years of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 1 year of experience
• 0-11 months of experience
• No experience

04
Please select from the list below to indicate what areas you have at least one year of experience teaching/instructing in:

• Science
• Outdoor/Nature
• Environmental

05
Have you been responsible for teaching or assisting a class to include planning and implementing activities in your area of expertise?

• Yes
• No

06
Some of these classes occur outdoors. Are you able to work in an outdoor setting?

• Yes
• No

07
What age group(s) do you have experience teaching? Please select all that apply:

• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-8
• Ages 9-12
• Ages 13-17
• None of the above

08
Please select all the shifts that you are able to work (Please select all that apply):

• 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• I am not able to work any of these shifts

09
Please select the days that you are available to work:

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday
• Sunday

Required Question