Part-time Program Assistant / Sandy Creek Nature Center

Part-time Program Assistant / Sandy Creek Nature Center

Salary

$15.60 Hourly

Location

Leisure Services - Sandy Creek Nature Center - 205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA

Job Type

Part Time No Benefits

Job Number

2026-4031

Department

Leisure Services

Opening Date

08/04/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Questions

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

REPORTS TO: Program Leader/ Program Specialist/Facility Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: Part-time/No Benefits Serves at the discretion of the Department Director.

PAY GRADE: 103

SAFETY SENSITIVE: No

Purpose of Job The purpose of this position is to serve as an assistant to the full-time nature center staff. This position implements environmental educational programs for schools, groups, camps, and public programming. Also assists center staff with special events, programs, center operations, and trail/center maintenance as needed. Leads educational birthday party programs on weekends at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Interacts with visitors and program participants, assists with customer requests, and presents educational programs utilizing the nature center's live animal collection and other educational materials. Animal handling and husbandry duties are required. Can serve as a course credit internship if desired.

Job Related Requirements

WORK SCHEDULE: 20 hours per week. Two weekdays: Wednesdays 8:30am-2:30pm and Fridays 8:30am-2:30pm; Saturdays, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, occasional Monday, Sundays or evenings with notice.

May be required to work on religious holidays.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Must work cooperatively with others.

Responsible for a clean and safe work environment.

When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACCs safe driving policy.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Previous experience in any of the following areas: working with animals, leading programs or activities with children, docent or other similar type of experience.

Must possess a valid drivers license.

Must possess current first aid and be able to obtain CPR certifications within 60 days of employment.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Plans and instructs programs and parties at assigned facilities.

Completes in-house training with center staff on animal care and handling, public & school programs and center operations.

Resolves problems that may arise in a proactive and professional manner.

Regularly monitors and inspects program areas, indoors and outdoors, to ensure safety of the patrons, activities and the facility.

Inventories and maintains program equipment and supplies.

Assists with problems the public may encounter while attending a program.

Assists with set-up and breakdown of various areas for parties, events and programs.

Enforces rules and regulations and ensures safety of all patrons and personal property.

Follows all animal care standards and practices as established by Sandy Creek Nature Center.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of assigned division in the Leisure Services Department.

Knowledge of management and recreational practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the duties and responsibilities of the job.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, children, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the Athens -Clarke County Government as they relate to the Leisure Services department.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Ability to stay informed of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.

Ability to effectively handle human relations and technical subjects.

Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, scanner, copier, calculator, fax, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, crawling, leaning, and hearing. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of medium work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions to coworkers and from supervisors.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of memos and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare reports, logs and maintenance forms using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence. Ability to process questions from audience in real time with accuracy and honesty.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques, to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation, and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including mechanical and electrical terminology.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, and to utilize and determine percentages.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with construction, mechanical, and electrical tools.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using construction, mechanics, carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, and electrical equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a computer, copying machine, calculator and typewriter. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two way radio.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.

01

How much experience do you have leading programs or activities with children & adults as a teacher, volunteer, or other similar type of experience?

• No experience.
• Less than one year of experience.
• One year or more, but less than two years of experience.
• Two years or more, but less than three years of experience.
• Three years or more, but less than five years of experience
• Five years or more of experience.

02

Please select all of the areas below that you have knowledge/familiarity with presenting or studying related to the Program Assistant position at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Select all that apply:

• Archeology/fossils
• Astronomy
• Birds
• Earth science (rocks, hydrology, etc.)
• Ecology
• Insects
• Mammals
• Other
• Plants
• None of the above.

03

The Program Assistant position requires handing live animals in a program setting. Animals are typically reptiles such as snakes and turtles but can include insects, amphibians, and other species. Are you comfortable handling live animals?

• Yes, I will handle live animals.
• No, I will not handle live animals.

04

Sandy Creek Nature Center houses live animals in an exhibition area for educational purposes. This position will handle live animals. Please select the types of animals you are comfortable working with.

• Amphibians
• Insects/spiders
• Fish
• Snakes
• Turtles
• Other
• None of the above.

05

How much experience do you have working with these animals (amphibians, fish, insects/spiders, snakes, turtles)?

• No experience.
• Less than one year of experience.
• At least one year, but less than two years.
• At least two years, but less than three years.
• At least three years, but less than five years.
• Five years or more of experience.

06

Please select the number of years of experience you have leading classes, lessons, or training for groups of 8 people or more.

• None
• Less than one year.
• One year or more, but less than three years.
• Three years or more, but less than four years.
• Four years or more of experience.

07

Please indicate which of the following groups you have experience working with in the field of natural sciences/education: Select all that apply.

• Preschool
• Elementary grades
• Middle grades
• High School
• College
• Adults
• Seniors
• I have not worked with these groups.

08

Please discuss any related skills and experiences you have that would make you a good candidate for the program assistant position.

09

Please list current certifications that would be relative to the position such as 1st Aid, CPR, Project WET/WILD/PLT, teaching certificate, canoeing, archery, master naturalist, CIG, etc. Type none if no certifications.

10

What is your current CPR and/or First Aid Certification status?

• I currently possess my CPR and First Aid Certification
• I am able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within 6 months
• I cannot obtain CPR and First Aid Certification

11

This position requires a minimum of working 2 weekdays (8:30 am-2:30 pm) and all day Saturday (8:30am-5:30pm). In addition to Saturdays, which days are you able to work per week?

• Tuesday 8:30am-2:30pm
• Wednesday 8:30am-2:30pm
• Thursday 8:30am-2:30pm
• Friday 8:30am-2:30pm
• None of the above.

12

Do you possess a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

13

What type of Drivers License do you possess?

• None
• Class C--Regular
• Class CP--Learners Permit
• Class D--Regular Provisional
• Class E--Emergency Vehicle Non CDL
• Class F--Emergency Vehicle
• Class EP or FP--Permit
• Class M--Motorcycle
• Class MP--Motorcycle Learners Permit
• Class A CDL
• Class AP--CDL Permit
• Class B CDL
• Class BP CDL Permit
• Class C CDL
• Other

Required Question

Employer Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County

Address 375 Satula Avenue

Human Resources Department

Athens, Georgia, 30601

Phone 706-613-3090

Website http://www.accgov.com