| Location | Athens, GA |
Program Specialist / Naturalist
Salary
$54,569.00 Annually
Location
Leisure Services - Sandy Creek Nature Center - 205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-1716
Department
Leisure Services
Opening Date
08/12/2026
Closing Date
9/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
REPORTS TO: Facility or Program Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Executive
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 117
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to plan, develop, supervise, and evaluate various Leisure Services Department programs. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to program planning, organizing, implementation and evaluation; supervising and training assigned employees; preparing long and short-term goals, instructing classes, ensuring safety in programs and facilities; creating and coordinating program publicity and promotion; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm.
Regular evening and weekend work expected to meet programs, meetings, and event needs.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
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
Bachelors Degree in course of study related to outdoor recreation, education, environmental education, forestry, wildlife, anthropology, geology, natural sciences, or related field; with one year of related work experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the job.
Must possess a valid drivers license.
Must have or obtain within 12 months of hire the Project WET, WILD, and Learning Tree Facilitator Certification and the Adopt-A-Stream Chemical and Macroinvertebrate Certification.
Must be certified in First Aid/CPR/AED or have ability to attain within 6 months of employment.
Must have or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire FEMA's NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 level training and maintain these trainings throughout employment.
One year of supervisory experience preferred.
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, develops, conducts and evaluates programs, events, activities, camps and/or tournaments.
Supervises, trains, makes hiring recommendations and evaluates assigned employees, volunteers, and interns; handles all related concerns, directs work assignments, disciplines and counsels workers when necessary.
Oversees program instructors and handles contract agreements with contract labor.
Prepares specific objectives for programs and special events, and develops a written plan of action; evaluates and adjusts programs as necessary; maintains records for division/department reporting and assessment.
Addresses needs of program participants with disabilities, and seeks higher-level assistance as needed.
Prepares annual budget proposal for programs, events and/or projects; may assist with the development of the budget proposal.
Coordinates volunteer needs, and assists with recruitment and training for programs and special events.
Creates and coordinates publicity and/or promotional materials for programs and special events, including website maintenance; assists with distribution of materials.
Prepares, coordinates and schedules appropriate facility for programs and special events by coordinating related maintenance, safety/inspections and security needs and concerns.
Designs, constructs, maintains and collects materials for programs, displays and exhibits.
Assists with the management of daily operations of the facility; may perform the duties of the facility supervisor when needed.
Schedules, reserves, and inputs data for programs, events, activities, camps and/or tournaments into scheduling and reservation software.
Serves as department liaison for various community groups and organizations.
Responds to citizen inquires and complaints and addresses, solves, or forwards complaints to appropriate personnel.
May be assigned as facility liaison for department social media and/or volunteer task force.
Performs other related duties as required.
When assigned to Sandy Creek Nature Center
Plans, schedules, implements and evaluates educational, recreational, and summer camp programs, including supervision of volunteers, year-round staff, and seasonal staff.
Teaches environmental education/natural science topics to groups of all ages, using various educational techniques.
Facilitates parent with toddler programs for ages 18 months through 2 years.
Trains volunteers, teachers, and other community members in environmental techniques, methods and philosophies.
Coordinates volunteers for public programs and events, Trail Guides, and teen volunteers.
Designs, constructs, and maintains environmental education displays and exhibits.
Assists Program Leader with maintenance and care of native animal collection used in programs and exhibits.
Supports facility/equipment inspections and upkeep.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of assigned division in the Leisure Services Department.
Knowledge of management, human resources management/personnel, financial 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 specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledge of established organizational, managerial, human relations methods and techniques.
Knowledge of principles and practices of recreation administration, relevant laws, ordinances, policies and procedures, budgetary processes and procedures and the theory and principles of program development and implementation in recreation.
Knowledge of functions, principles, methods and techniques of public sector planning, including those related to community planning, outdoor recreation planning, and natural and cultural resource planning and understanding of methods and tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating and managing planning, design and construction projects (when assigned to Park Planning).
Knowledge of first aid and CPR, departmental programs, community resources, supervisory practices, rules of a variety of sports and the techniques, equipment and supplies used in athletics and park maintenance.
Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of computers and software related to the position.
Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals.
Ability to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the position.
Ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency.
Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, 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 use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to plan and coordinate programs involving large groups of people.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, copying machine, calculator, scanner, and equipment associated with performances including technical systems . This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Dance center position also requires the ability to demonstrate dance moves which may include jumping, turning quickly, and balancing. 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.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, forms and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare forms, reports, letters, memoranda, and miscellaneous documents using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
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 aviation and accounting 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 automated office machines.
MOTOR COORDINATION: May require the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using automated office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, 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, typewriter, and calculator. 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 moderate 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.
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health
Wellness
Family and Career
Time
Money
Protection
To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
http://www.accgov.com/434/Benefits
WELLNESS
http://www.accgov.com/wellness
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
http://www.accgov.com/index.aspx?nid=791
01
Which best describes your highest level of education?
02
Do you possess an Bachelors Degree or higher in course of study related to outdoor recreation, education, environmental education, forestry, wildlife, anthropology, geology, natural sciences, or related field?
03
Specifically, what educational degree (field of study) do you possess?
04
How much experience do you have in planning and leading programs or activities with children and adults as a teacher, volunteer, or other similar type of experience?
05
Please indicate which of the following groups you have experience working with in the field of natural sciences/education: Select all that apply.
06
Please select all of the areas below that you have knowledge/familiarity with presenting or studying related to the Program Specialist position at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Select all that apply:
07
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 handling.
08
Please list current certifications that would be relative to the position such as 1st Aid, CPR, Project WET/WILD/PLT, Adapt-A-Stream, teaching certificate, canoeing, archery, master naturalist, CIG etc.: Type none if no certifications.
09
Please indicate below how many years of supervisory experience you have.
10
Indicate below your work experience with the coordination of volunteers, including planning or implementation of volunteer work days/events (i.e. recruiting volunteers, communicating with volunteers).
11
This position is based on a 40 hour work week, Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-5:30pm. Occasional evenings, Sundays, Mondays and holidays are required with notice. Are you available to work this schedule?
12
Do you possess a valid Drivers License?
13
What type of Drivers License do you possess?
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