Description

General Summary

Do you love creating outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity, connection, and community engagement?
Oakland County Parks and Recreation is seeking a creative and enthusiastic Recreation Program Specialist – Outdoor Learning to develop and lead engaging nature and recreation based educational experiences across our parks and recreation system. In this role, you’ll help connect residents of all ages to the outdoors through hands-on learning, immersive programming, and meaningful community experiences.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, leading programs, collaborating with community partners, and making a positive impact through recreation and environmental education.

What you'll do:
Design and lead outdoor learning experiences, programs, and special events 
Create engaging nature- and farm-based activities that encourage exploration and stewardship 
Supervise and support part-time staff and volunteers during programs and events 
Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and partners on educational initiatives 
Evaluate program success and recommend improvements based on participation and feedback 
Support year-round park engagement through educational, recreational, and self-guided experiences 
Assist with scheduling, reporting, operational coordination, and program support activities 

What you'll gain:
The opportunity to inspire community connection through outdoor education and recreation 
A hands-on, active role working in parks, farms, and natural spaces throughout Oakland County 
Experience leading programs, events, and educational initiatives 
Collaboration with community partners, educators, volunteers, and recreation professionals 
A dynamic work environment where every day is different 
The chance to make a meaningful impact on how residents experience and engage with nature 

If you’re passionate about outdoor experiential learning, recreation, and creating memorable experiences in the community, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

Please Note: This part-time position is limited to 1,000 hours/year and works 20-24 hours/week on a year-round basis.

Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Be at least 18 years old.
Have at least six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity preferably in a park, recreation and/or program setting; OR
Have at least six (6) months paid or voluntary experience in Leadership for organizations such as civic, philanthropic, school clubs, and/or sports teams.
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
 

ADDITIONAL DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Familiar with Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations for park properties.
Considerable ability to establish favorable working relationships with others.
Considerable knowledge of cash management practices, point of sale functions, and customer service.
Physical condition that will permit performing manual duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, standing and walking, and lifting of heavy objects as needed.
Considerable ability to work under pressure in emergency situations.
Reasonable ability to maintain personal cleanliness and a presentable public appearance.
Reasonable knowledge of safety practices.
Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license. and be comfortable driving a county owned vehicle when necessary.
If assigned to a youth recreational program, prior to employment, candidates will be required to provide Parks & Recreation with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services (previously called Family Independence Agency) that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing Parks & Recreation to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974.
Applicants for positions at Parks & Recreation will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following:
(a) Child Abuse or Neglect.
(b) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.
 

WHEN ASSIGNED TO OUTDOOR LEARNING

Researches, designs, develops, and implements outdoor learning experiences that support the mission of Oakland County Parks, incorporating nature-based and farm-based learning grounded in inquiry-driven and place-based approaches.
Designs experiences that introduce participants to parks and natural systems and intentionally guide progression from initial discovery to deeper engagement, repeat participation, and stewardship involvement.
Provides leadership and direction to part-time staff and volunteers during programs, field experiences, and special events across nature centers, farms, and park facilities.
Ensures delivery of high-quality, hands-on, and immersive learning experiences that foster curiosity, connection to place, and ongoing participation in the parks system.
Advances park activation by developing and supporting outdoor learning opportunities that encourage frequent and year-round use of park sites.
Integrates formal programs with informal, self-directed, and drop-in experiences to expand access and increase repeat visitation.
Evaluates the effectiveness of outdoor learning initiatives using participant feedback, engagement metrics, repeat participation, and contribution to systemwide outcomes, including increased activation, deeper connection to nature, and progression into stewardship or volunteer involvement. Uses data to inform continuous improvement and align with organizational goals.
Identifies target audiences, emerging topics, and community needs to expand and enhance outdoor learning opportunities across ecological and agricultural contexts.
Recommends program and experience adjustments to ensure relevance, accessibility, and alignment with resident expectations and mission priorities. Designs and implements pathways that connect participants to stewardship, volunteerism, and conservation actions.
Supports development of community ownership by linking learning experiences to real-world environmental and health outcomes and opportunities for civic engagement.
Collaborates with local communities, schools, and partner organizations to co-create and deliver outdoor learning experiences that reflect community needs and strengthen connections between residents and parks. Supports the development of a countywide learning and stewardship network.
Utilizes County vehicles and equipment to support program delivery across multiple locations. Communicates with Supervisor regarding vehicle and equipment status, including maintenance, safety, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
Utilizes software systems to support planning, coordination, evaluation, and reporting of outdoor learning activities and outcomes.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functions as a leader over part-time seasonal staff and volunteers. Instructs, directs, assigns, schedules, checks, and appraises performance (oversees 1 - 40 staff per shift, depending on work assignment).
 

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

May coordinate work schedules for part-time seasonal staff and volunteers.
May prepare reports on weekly, monthly and end-of-season activities as needed.
May assist with tracking inventory, purchasing supplies, and making recommendations to the budget process.
May be responsible for cleaning or maintenance tasks, preforming basic repairs, restocking machines, and providing basic technical support to staff.
May independently respond to operations problems as they arise to provide customers with a safe and enjoyable park experience.
May provide support for partnerships and sponsorships that support park operations, park development, community outreach, or recreational programs and events.
May interact with administrative staff, external partners, and sponsors to coordinate scheduling, planning, and implementation of group activities and special events hosted at park facilities.
May provide input for grant applications or assist with tracking and reporting on grant funded programs.
 

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate and perform duties related to the functionality of the assigned Parks & Recreation facility.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to provide written and oral instruction to others.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily outside with exposure to weather conditions.
May participate in duties that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile.
Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
 

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.