Introduction
The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is a fun, experiential learning atmosphere that is centered on excellent programming, customer service, and community at the Gro Preschool at James S. Long Park. We strive for excellence in the workplace within an environment that fosters creativity and learning. DPR is seeking a provisional (part-time hours) Children's Leader who is a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to teach children’s preschool programs for children ages 3 – 5 and summer camps for children ages 3-8.
Our state-licensed Nature Preschool prides itself on providing a quality program that emphasizes learning through nature and play, in a safe and nurturing environment. Our Gro Preschool Staff provide thoughtfully planned experiences and opportunities, which stimulate learning in all developmental areas; social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. Gro Preschool is a Natural Education Space, incorporating both indoor and outdoor classrooms. The outdoor classroom will have a variety of stations for preschoolers to explore music, movement, gardening, and the natural world around them. The outdoor classroom provides an environment for children to explore, collaborate, be inquisitive and promotes a lifelong connection and appreciation to the children's natural surroundings.
The Gro Preschool Staff must love children, being comfortable in nature, enjoy exploring and being adventurous with our students. Staff must be willing to work outside no matter what time of the year. They must be comfortable instructing activities, playing in the creek, and getting dirty. It is OK to be silly and remember what it is like to be a kid exploring nature. Our Gro Preschool staff will lead and teach preschoolers during the school year (September-May) and children aged 3-8 in our nature-based summer camps (June-August).
This program is licensed by the Department of Education; therefore, the Children’s Leader is partially responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations pertaining to the Department of Social Services and best practices of early childhood education. The Children's Leader is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the children they are assigned to.
This position has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old. This position requires at least 6 months of supervised programmatic experience. This position requires a High School Diploma/GED.
The Department of Parks & Recreation conducts DMV records checks on all employees driving for work purposes and criminal background checks on all hires age 18 years and older. Fingerprinting will be required.
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NATURE OF WORK
This class is part of the Recreation Job Family. Incumbents performs routine work in connection with various recreation programs or activities. Work is performed under close supervision with specific instructions provided as to the duties to be completed, the order of completion and method of completion. May perform duties as a building/field attendant, lifeguard II, head concessionaire, head cashier, food and beverage supervisor, children's leader or nursery attendant; and providing daily upkeep and light maintenance of equipment and facility.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is an entry-level position that is responsible for providing administrative support and ensuring visitor and participant safety within the facility. Work is performed in accordance with set procedures and guidelines, and deviation from those guidelines require approval. May serve as a lead worker.
TYPICAL CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES (These responsibilities are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
1.Provides excellence in customer service by answering questions and providing information to the public. May provide specialized services based on the program or customer
2.Carrying out program plans, activities, and lessons. Sets up equipment or materials needed for an activity and cleans up after program.
3.Maintains and prepares equipment and facility for ongoing programs; prepares lesson plans and maintains related records.
4.Enforces program rules; provides emergency care and treatment as required.
5.Maintains required logs and prepares related reports. Accountable for implementing cash control procedures, monitoring and controlling daily financial transactions and inventory
6.Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
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KNOWLEDGE
Life guarding surveillance and rescue techniques;
Customer service principles;
Recordkeeping principles;
Cash handling procedures;
Cleaning and sanitizing practices;
Food preparation and cooking practices and techniques;
Food handling practices and techniques;
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;
Applying life guarding surveillance and rescue techniques;
Cleaning and maintaining fitness equipment and machines;
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.
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MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
8th grade education and 0-12 months of related experience (*State mandates require a high school diploma or G.E.D for specific licensed program positions).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 16 or 18 years old depending on position; Lifeguard, First Aid and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification may be required depending on position; 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: 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.
