Part Time Recreation Program Specialist - Farm Guide

About this role

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

This position is limited to 1,000 hours/year scheduled approximately 20 hours/week. Rate of Pay $21.50/hr Location: Bowers School Farm, Bloomfield Hills

The Farm Guide advances park activation by developing and supporting outdoor learning opportunities that encourage frequent and year-round use of park sites. Designs experiences that introduce participants to parks and natural systems and intentionally guide progression from initial discovery to deeper engagement, repeat participation, and stewardship involvement. Provides leadership and direction to part-time staff and volunteers during programs, field experiences, and special events across nature centers, farms, and park facilities.

Works weekends, evenings, and holidays. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Be at least 18 years old.

AND • Have at least six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience in a supervisor Have at least six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity preferably in a park, recreation and/or program setting; OR • Have at least six (6) months paid or voluntary experience in Leadership for organizations such as civic, philanthropic, school clubs, and/or sports teams.

AND • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Familiar with Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Rules and Regulations for park properties. • Considerable ability to establish favorable working relationships with others. • Considerable knowledge of cash management practices, point of sale functions, and customer service. • Physical condition that will permit performing manual duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, standing and walking, and lifting of heavy objects as needed. • Considerable ability to work under pressure in emergency situations. • Reasonable ability to maintain personal cleanliness and a presentable public appearance. • Reasonable knowledge of safety practices. • Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS • Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur’s license. • If assigned to a youth recreational program, prior to employment, candidates will be required to provide Parks & Recreation with documentation from the Michigan Department of Human Services (previously called Family Independence Agency) that they have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. In addition, applicants being considered for hire will be asked to sign a form authorizing Parks & Recreation to request and receive a criminal history check in accordance with the privacy act of 1974. • Applicants for positions at Parks & Recreation will not be considered if they have been convicted of either of the following: (a) Child Abuse or Neglect. (b) A felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED • Functions as a leader over part-time seasonal staff and volunteers. Instructs, directs, assigns, schedules, checks, and appraises performance (oversees 1 - 40 staff per shift, depending on work assignment).

WHEN ASSIGNED TO OUTDOOR LEARNING • Researches, designs, develops, and implements outdoor learning experiences that support the mission of Oakland County Parks, incorporating nature-based and farm-based learning grounded in inquiry-driven and place-based approaches. • Designs experiences that introduce participants to parks and natural systems and intentionally guide progression from initial discovery to deeper engagement, repeat participation, and stewardship involvement. • Provides leadership and direction to part-time staff and volunteers during programs, field experiences, and special events across nature centers, farms, and park facilities. • Ensures delivery of high-quality, hands-on, and immersive learning experiences that foster curiosity, connection to place, and ongoing participation in the parks system. • Advances park activation by developing and supporting outdoor learning opportunities that encourage frequent and year-round use of park sites. • Integrates formal programs with informal, self-directed, and drop-in experiences to expand access and increase repeat visitation. • Evaluates the effectiveness of outdoor learning initiatives using participant feedback, engagement metrics, repeat participation, and contribution to systemwide outcomes, including increased activation, deeper connection to nature, and progression into stewardship or volunteer involvement. Uses data to inform continuous improvement and align with organizational goals. • Identifies target audiences, emerging topics, and community needs to expand and enhance outdoor learning opportunities across ecological and agricultural contexts. • Recommends program and experience adjustments to ensure relevance, accessibility, and alignment with resident exp

Similar jobs

• Recreation Attendant (Part-Time) — Four Seasons · Four Seasons Orlando
• Seasonal Farm Attendant — Discovery Land Company · Amenia, NY
• Agriculture Program Specialist — Nebraska Government · Lincoln, NE
• Recreational Assistant — Seenhealth · Los Angeles, California, United States
• Recreation Intern, Compass/Outfitters (Seasonal) — Montage International · Montage Deer Valley, UT
• Recreation Supervisor — Loewshotels · CA - Coronado - Loews Coronado Bay Resort
• Outdoor Recreation and Program Coordinator (Temporary Non-Student) — Northeastern University · Oakland, CA
• Recreational Therapist - Part Time — Cookchildrens · Fort Worth, TX