Program Assistant Jobs in Clayton, NC (NOW HIRING)

Cary's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative individual who is enthusiastic about teaching nature and working with the public to join our team as a Nature Education Senior Program Assistant! This position will play a key role in planning and implementing nature programming at the Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. In this role you will help research, current needs and program trends, collaborate with others to design programs, manage programs, and use data and feedback to improve and inform future programs. This position requires a flexible schedule to work varying hours, including evenings and weekends. This is a part-time, non-benefited, year-round position, up to 20 hours a week, with a maximum of 999 hours per year.

• Prepares, organizes, and supervises facilitation of program activities
• Develops and implements programs for diverse groups, determines target audiences and objectives, and sets calendar for program offerings
• Assists with development of daily schedules, coordinates space, identifies resources and plans developmentally appropriate activities
• Researches and seeks out new program opportunities
• Attends workshops/trainings, classes, seminars, and lectures to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in programs
• Monitors and supervises various activities in multiple spaces simultaneously
• Provides behavior management, adjusts as needed to mitigate issues, completes write-ups, and escalates problems to supervisor as needed
• Leads other part-time staff
• Conducts administrative tasks such as drafting purchase orders, maintaining contracts, and tracking spending, program entry and manage
• Documents and submits incident and accident reports to supervisor
• Researches and gathers resources for programs, maintains inventory, and orders supplies
• Ensures participants and patrons have an exemplary customer service experience
• Provides program information to nature center patrons and program participants
• Communicates with participants, providing general updates and other pertinent information
• Manages participant accounts and assists with registrations, withdrawals, and rentals
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

• General knowledge of principles, practices, and objectives of related programs
• General knowledge of computers and related software
• General knowledge of standard office practices and procedures
• Ability to remain organized, multitask, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public verbally and in writing
• Ability to plan and coordinate recreational activities and events while maintaining a close attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively resolve any conflict
• Ability to acquire knowledge of Cary policies, procedures, and the services of the department.

Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to an associate's degree in Parks and Recreation, Environmental Education, or a related field. Requires a minimum of 2 years of nature program experience including running and implementing nature programs. Requires First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months with provided training opportunities) Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Some experience planning, implementing, and/or facilitating events/programs in a park or community setting.
• Environmental Education Certification

Physical Requirements Work in this class requires an employee to be able to hear and talk in order to communicate with the public and with groups under instruction. An employee must be able to climb, walk unassisted and move about freely in order to interact with patrons. Requires the ability to lift moderately heavy items (up to 25 lbs.) Visual acuity is needed to read typewritten and handwritten materials and to view a computer terminal. Work in this class is primarily clerical and may require sitting and use of a computer for extended time periods.

Conditions of Employment Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI fingerprinting, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.