Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Associate Degree in Education or related field, plus one (1) year of experience teaching culture or art classes.
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Licenses Or Certifications:

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Culture & Arts Instructor position is to plan, develop and lead School, Public, and Preschool Programs, including adventure activities, TEKS aligned school programs, events, instructing 10-15 classes a week, and modeling program sessions for new staff.

Work location: Austin Nature & Science Center. Address: 301 Nature Center Drive, Austin, TX 78746.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
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Other:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
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Pay Range

$21.18 - $23.56 per hour.

Hours

Work/Location Schedule Notes:

Schedule varies in order to accommodate programming needs, see example below:

• School year: MWF 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Tu/Th 8:00 am - 5:30 p.m.
• Summer: Mon. - Fri., 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. OR 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
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Job Close Date 09/12/2024 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location Austin Nature & Science Center, 301 Nature Center Drive Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education:

Preferred Experience:

• Experience developing, planning, and leading science education and outdoor recreation programs, including risk-management and safety protocols.
• Experience developing, modifying, and teaching early childhood (ages 3-5) program activities to accommodate various needs, abilities, and interests.
• Experience spending approximately 70%-80% of each class day outside throughout the seasons and in all types of weather.
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Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of tenets of nature-based education, inquiry-based learning, emergent curriculum, and early childhood education standards.
• Knowledge and demonstration of effective behavior management skills, including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, firmly, and with compassion.
• Basic level or above in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Teams and Outlook.
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Other:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Prepares, develops and plans lesson content. Selects and assembles materials, equipment, and other instructional aids. Schedules, registers, and conducts classes and workshops. Adapts workshops and classes to student age, physical ability, and interests. Supervises student practice and provides feedback for improvement or correction.. Presents lectures, demonstrations, and illustrations. Evaluates effectiveness of courses and workshops, recommends improvements Selects and stores inventory equipment and supplies Maintains student records and provides data.

Responsibilities - Supervision And/or Leadership Exercised:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching, and instruction for individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform a range of cultural arts.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to teach others and in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the use of good judgment.
• Ability to interpret policies and guidelines.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
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Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired. * In a few short sentences, tell us about your experience developing, planning, and leading science education and outdoor recreation programs.

• The minimum qualifications for this position are an Associate Degree in Education or related field, plus one (1) year of experience teaching culture or art classes. Experience may substitute for education up to two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum requirements?
• Yes.
• No.
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(Open Ended Question)

(Open Ended Question) * How many years of experience do you have leading summer camp programming? * Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Select the statement that best describes your English/Spanish bilingual fluency level.
• I speak both English and Spanish fluently
• I speak some Spanish
• I understand some Spanish
• I am fluent in English only
• None
• One (1) year of experience
• Over one (1) year to three (3) years of experience
• Over three (3) years of experience
• Yes
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Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents