Interpretive Aide

Purpose PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS A JOB DESCRIPTION ONLY.

THIS IS NOT A POSTING FOR A VACANCY To see a list of job postings, please click HERE Provides interpretation regarding historical, natural, and cultural aspects of living historical farm intended to depict the time period 1880-1900.

Example of Duties Performs a variety of agricultural, animal husbandry, grounds and facility maintenance and domestic tasks to ensure efficient operation of farm (e.g., works in gardens and fields, cares for farm animals, splits and hauls firewood). Wears period style clothing while providing interpretation and performing work.

Performs manual labor, duties related to construction, and development of farm projects as assigned.

Uses historical and modern farm equipment and tools.

Handles, cleans and stores all tools safely and properly.

Performs basic routine preventative maintenance on equipment.

Assists with the research and development of interpretive programs and living history demonstrations.

Provides instruction and guidance to student interns or volunteers.

Completes and maintains various records and reports.

Plans, develops, and presents a variety of natural and cultural history programs to school groups, organizations, and the general public.

Assists with the preparation of volunteer newsletters, quarterly program schedules, brochures, displays, special events, presentations, etc.

Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications Education/Experience: Baccalaureate degree in education, American history, Natural Resources, Agricultural or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of nineteenth century agricultural and social history, customs, and historical interpretation.

Excellent presentation, communications and interpersonal skills.

Living history experience preferred.

Team-Oriented: Works on a team.

Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.

Attendance: Being present at work is an essential function of the position.

Computer/Software Skills: Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, e-mail, social media venues, and Microsoft Office products.

Language Skills: Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, professionally and courteously with visitors and members of the public, vendors, co-workers and staff.

Ability to explain technical park information in everyday language with customers.

Ability to recognize and understand non-verbal symbols and cues.

Communication occurs daily.ability to use two-way radio.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to deal with symbols in formulas, equations or graphs; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to deal with problems involving few variables within a familiar context; carry out instructions.

Ability to understand broad organizational objectives.

Ability to read and understand manuals.

Licenses, Registrations: Possession of valid standard first aid and CPR cards within six (6) months of employment.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, lift, etc.

Employee regularly works in gardens and fields, and may be involved in caring for farm animals, plowing, planting, shearing, butchering, cultivating, harvesting, chopping and hauling of firewood, etc.

Employee uses hand tools, operates various types of equipment used on an 1880's farm, and perform a variety of agricultural, animal husbandry, maintenance on farm.

Employee is required to type, write, complete reports, file paperwork, use computer, etc.

Work Environment: While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee regularly works in the barn and in outside weather conditions.

The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts.

The noise level is usually moderate.

The employee works dressed in period costume.

Any Additional Information: Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, vendors, other professionals, and the general public.

Ability to use personal computers.

Candidate must satisfactorily complete a background investigation.

Required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Other Information The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position.

It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

In addition to the job description, further information in performing duties is found in the Metro Parks' Rules & Regulations, Employee Policies/Handbook, and other departmental specific directives and procedures.

Work Hours: The work schedule for this position will be varied and will include evenings, weekends and some holidays.

The work schedule is established around programming, Farm, and park events and does not follow a typical weekday, daytime schedule.

Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment.

Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks' employees and to the security of the organization's equipment and facilities.

For these reasons, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment.

About the Farm: Slate Run Living Historical Farm is part of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system and is located in rural Pickaway County about 20 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio.

The farm portrays an 1880s central Ohio farm tied to a market economy.

The farm raises period appropriate livestock, vegetable and crop varieties.

The Interpretive Aide position requires working as part of a small team of 8 staff and fifty volunteers.

Many of the agricultural skills require physical effort in inclement weather.

The person must be able to adapt to the ever-changing work needs and conditions of a working farm.

The staff and volunteers strive to create an authentic experience where visitors can compare their lifestyle to that of a farm's in the 1880s.

The interpretive emphasis encourages hands-on programming for the public.

Annual visitation to the farm is 65,000 per year.

Supervision Received: Historical Farm Program Manager Given: None FLSA Status Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Non-Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, is entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Core Values Attendance: Is at work as scheduled; reports to work on time; follows proper procedures for requesting leave or calling off.

Policies & Procedures: Follows established policies and procedures; inquires of supervisor if unclear on policy/procedure, includes following safety policies, procedures and protocols.

Professionalism: Handles the responsibilities of the position in an effective manner; maintains integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers; offers differing points of view in an acceptable manner.

Team Player: Supports other members of the organization in accomplishing their goals and projects; recognizes and credits others for their contribution in achieving goals.

Positive Attitude: Supports Metro Parks established priorities at all times; cultivates team environment; exhibits enthusiasm while carrying out responsibilities; looks for solutions to work conflicts and challenges.

Productivity: Thoroughly completes work in a timely manner; organizes and plans assignments well or follows supervisory instructions well with little explanation; follows-up as needed.

Quality: Demonstrates technical competence, meets job expectations; completes assignments with few errors.

Initiative: Does not wait to be told what to do; appropriately makes suggestions for improvements; does not hesitate when things do not go according to routine and quickly adjust to meet exceptions.

Interpersonal Communication: Interacts with others with tact and courtesy; communicates clearly and effectively; shares information with supervisor or coworkers to achieve goals; responsive to the public.