Position Reports to Garfield Park Center and Serves Surrounding Areas

About Us

Cleveland Metroparks offers quality employment opportunities, enriched with learning and growth, and is an integral part of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio’s regional identity. Founded in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks, is known as the “Emerald Necklace,” and is a collection of conserved green space, featuring natural beauty and diversity, and is dedicated to integrating high-quality outdoor education, recreation and zoological opportunities into people’s lives. Cleveland Metroparks is a five-time winner of the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Park and Recreation Management and an 18-time winner of the NorthCoast 99 Best Places to Work award, an annual recognition program that honors 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. Quality employment opportunities, enriched with learning and growth, are available across 18 park reservations spanning more than 25,000 acres, nine golf courses, two full-service restaurants, and a nationally acclaimed Zoo.

Position Overview

The Urban Outdoor Education Coordinator will design, develop, and lead outdoor education programs and recreational activities for youth in East Cleveland, Collinwood, Euclid, and other urban communities in the Park District. These programs, offered during full-day summer camps and year-round out-of-school-time activities, provide hands-on, nature-based STEM education and immersive outdoor experiences.

By delivering engaging camps and programs, the Urban Outdoor Education Coordinator will promote environmental awareness, support healthy and active lifestyles, and provide transformative experiences for participants. The Urban Outdoor Education Coordinator will also assist in leading community outreach efforts to engage youth from local neighborhoods, eliminate transportation barriers, and ensure that all participants have access to Cleveland Metroparks programs.

The ideal candidate is passionate about engaging youth who live in urban communities, skilled in program development and delivery, and experienced in building meaningful connections between communities and nature.

Key Responsibilities:

· Program Development: Develops educational programs that highlight the natural, historical, and cultural features of Cleveland Metroparks. Designs a variety of engaging activity themes focused on STEM-based learning, recreational skill-building, and career readiness for youth.

· Program Delivery & Logistics: Delivers high-quality outdoor educational and recreational programming tailored to the diverse audiences served by Cleveland Metroparks. Programs may be conducted at assigned reservations, off-site locations, and special events. Coordinates the transportation of student groups and equipment using 15-passenger vans, which may also involve loading and transporting kayaks on a trailer.

· Community Engagement: Assists in leading community outreach efforts to recruit youth participants from East Cleveland, Collinwood, Euclid, and other urban communities in the Park District. Fosters relationships with the community and various partnerships, tracks and reports on community engagement initiatives, and gathers and interprets program feedback from participants and families.

· Seasonal Staff Management: Oversees the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of seasonal staff to support the successful implementation of summer camp programs.

Other Responsibilities:

· Develops written materials, including interpretive content, newsletters, signage, and reports.

· Creates, coordinates, and participates in environmental research and special projects specific to each assigned reservation.

· Handles the opening and closing of various facilities and performs light maintenance when necessary.

· Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.

· Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.

· Attends conferences, trainings, and certification programs to support professional growth.

· Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural or cultural history, community outreach, public health, sociology, natural resources, environmental education, or a related field required. Minimum three years of experience as a full-time naturalist or equivalent interpretation or outdoor education experience required; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Certifications: Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training will be provided by Cleveland Metroparks during the first year of employment.

Other Qualifications:

· Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license under the laws of the State of Ohio.

· Demonstrated ability to work independently off-site while maintaining a high level of professionalism and a strong work ethic.

· Strong management skills and business acumen, including problem-solving, strategic planning, multitasking, collaboration, leadership, and data analysis to develop clear recommendations.

· Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the public.

· Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.

· Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and discretion when managing confidential information.

Salary: $52,468 – $65,585 (Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed/considered before making a final offer)

Work Days: Varies, with most programming occurring during out-of-school-time including weekends, evenings, holidays, and summer months.

Filing Deadline: Open until filled