Volunteerism

Locations:

Bellevue/Fox Point State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park

Fort Delaware/Fort DuPont

Brandywine Zoo

Delaware Seashore State Park

Killens Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park

White Clay Creek State Park

Responsibilities:

• Assists Park Interpreter or Nature Center manager with presentations of general environmental education, interpretive programming and special events.
• Plans, develops, organizes, schedules, conducts and evaluates environmental, cultural and historical education programs and using interpretive methods establishes the relationship of information to personal appreciation and meaning in peoples' lives.
• Analyzes proposed programs for a particular audience based preparation time, equipment/materials required, objectives, safety concerns, and probable number of attendees.
• Gives outreach presentations in hospitals, libraries, senior centers and schools.
• Plans and participates in special events at State parks.
• Interacts with program participants, answering questions, assisting with activities, and ensuring participation opportunity for all attendees.
• Greets and provides direction and answers questions of program participants.
• Plans, develops or assists in the development of displays and exhibits.
• Helps gather materials and assists in set up and clean-up for assigned program.
• May manage media projects including writing, editing, designing and arranging for the publication of press releases, posters, pamphlets, brochures and newsletters.
• Maintains tracking of program participants. May complete program report
• Reports suggestions and observations.
• Assists in operation of Nature Center; tours/ explanation of exhibits, cleanliness, answer phone, answer questions, restock information brochures and guides and provide direction.

Benefits:

• $10,200 living allowance
• $4,725 educational award (upon completion of service year)
• Health Insurance
• Training, including: NAI Certified Interpreter Guide, Red Cross Canoe Training, Delaware State Parks Seasonal Interpreter Training.
• Opportunity to learn or expand knowledge of environmental, historical, cultural and recreational resources.
• May include Childcare
• May include interest-free deferment of current student loans
• Park and Division Recognition Program
• Training Opportunities
• Admission to Park
• Park and staff events
• Special events

Required Skills:

• Appreciation and understanding of the natural of the natural, life or environmental sciences.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of interpretation and education - experience in teaching or educational programming helpful but not required.
• Knowledge of local natural, cultural and historic resources.
• Knowledge of program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of conservation issues.
• Desire to help provide environmental education and interpretive opportunities.
• Presents program as instructed by Park Interpreter, Educator or Nature Center Manager
• Pleasant and personable. Relates well with people.
• Independent and responsible.
• Able to assist with both Indoor and Outdoor programs.
• Able to stand for long periods or to walk trails accompanying participants.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and meet goals and objectives
• Ability to write clear, concise, informative reports, pamphlets and brochures.
• Ability to organize and participate in special events.
• Able to operate simple audio-visual equipment.
• Able to communicate effectively with a diverse public.
• Able to speak publicly in front of groups or audiences.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Attends training and performs duties in compliance with Division and Park Customer Service Guidelines and Safety Guidelines.

Time requirements:

1700 hours, October - August

Supervision:

Direct supervision by Park Interpreter or Nature Center Manager