Parks Programming
Parks Programmers focus on a variety of ways to educate, engage, and create stewardship with residents that frequent parks, open spaces, and natural areas. Along with programs, staff also plan activities and events to encourage people to build connections with their neighbours and see parks as a valued part of their community. Developing these strong community connections enables people to then play an active role in the decision making processes that affect their park spaces.
Job titles may vary by organizations.
Parks Interpreter
As a park interpreter, you will help build appreciation and understanding of special natural and cultural features, and ecological relationships in Regional Parks.
Salary Range
Hourly salary range:
- Park Interpreter l: $21.24 – $24.91/hr
- Park Interpreter ll: $23.00 – $27.02/hr – with Post Secondary degree
(2016 rate)
Stories
I’m Lori Bartley. I’ve worked as a Park Interpretation Specialist for Metro Vancouver Regional Parks for the past four years. Here is my story…
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I love being able to share my enthusiasm for nature in regional parks with visitors in a creative, entertaining and educational way – through nature interpretation programs and events. I want to inspire people to get to know, enjoy and care for parks.
Q: How did you come to decide to pursue a career in this occupation?
A: I grew up with nature as my playground, my father was an avid outdoorsman and I was lucky and smart enough to get a summer job in provincial parks to pay my way through university. From there I was inspired to work in park interpretation.
Q: What are good traits or skills that someone should have when considering this career?
A: Traits to have: you should have a better than average knowledge of the natural history of your area, be curious about nature, really enjoy working with people, know how to develop and deliver an engaging program and be able to share the benefits of getting outdoors and getting to know, appreciate and respect your natural neighbours.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in the Parks Sector?
A: I think that Park Interpretation is a calling as well as a profession. It is challenging to find full time work in this field but if you have the knowledge, skill, enthusiasm and determination you can do it.
Q: Do you have any hiring practices tips to share?
A: Volunteer – one of the best ways to get experience in interpretive programming is to volunteer at a park that offers nature programs. While working or volunteering, be sure to accumulate a portfolio. You want to provide samples of what you have done as well as evaluations of your programs to show a potential employer.
Required Skills, Training and Education
Required Licences and Certifications
- A valid Occupational First Aid Certificate (Level 1)
- A valid BC Driver’s License, Class 5
Required Training and Experience
- Basic knowledge of local natural and cultural history
- Park Interpretation experience (program design & delivery)
- Experience working with children*, families and adults
- *Recruitment of the successful candidate is subject to successfully passing a criminal Records Search.
Parks Partnerships Coordinator
Park Partnerships Coordinators are responsible for the development and on-going delivery of Parks Programs. You will be in charge of recruiting, training and supervising Program staff and volunteers. Also, you will play a key role in the planning and delivery of Parks special events. In this exciting position you will have the opportunity to be involved with community development initiatives and will assist in developing meaningful connections with the community. Parks Partnership Coordinators are with the ability to create, develop and deliver an array of parks programs and events.
Typical Job Responsibilities
Park Partnerships position will be responsible for:
- Initiating and building partnerships with community groups to develop and delivery fun and engaging programs and initiatives
- Preparing and monitoring annual work plans, budgets, and reports
- Applying for grants and donations
- Leading and training staff, volunteers and community groups
- Working with a variety of community stakeholders, agencies, and volunteer groups
- Resolving issues in consultation with the community, government agencies, and non-government organizations
- Reviewing and permitting community events proposals located in public park spaces
- Organizing and facilitating meetings
- Preparing and presenting reports to Advisory Committees and management.
Other duties include:
- Presenting to schools, community groups and volunteer associations about the program
- Participating on integrated service teams and committees in the delivery of department and corporate programs and initiatives.
- Preparing educational, promotional, and marketing materials relating to the program
Required Skills, Training and Education
Education and Experience
- Graduated from a recognized university, college or technical institute with five years related experience
Skills
- Superior communication skills with experience in community engagement, consultation and facilitation
- The ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment and initiative while performing the duties of the position
- Proven experience in leadership and training
- Demonstrated program planning and evaluation skills
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- A valid driver’s license
Parks Programs Manager
Reporting to the Parks Senior Manager, The Parks Programs Manager plays a key role for the overall departmental strategic planning, contract administration, facility management, civic animal control and wildlife management.
Common Job Titles
- Parks Service Manager
- General Manager of Community Development Parks and Recreation Services
Salary Range
Annual salary range: $83,454 – $104,317 (2016 salary)
Stories
I’m Todd Gross. I’ve worked as a Parks and Services Manger for the City of Port Coquitlam for the past 7 years. Here is my story…
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: The difference we can make in a community. We service the taxpayers of our community but in particular our users or residents really appreciate the broad range of services we provide.
Q: How did you come to decide to pursue a career in this occupation?
A: I always had a love for outdoors and recreation. When I decided to go to school this seemed most aligned with my interests.
Q: What are good traits or skills that someone should have when considering this career?
A: Have a passion for what you do. Have a strong interest. Without it you’re not going to be successful.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in the Parks Sector?
A: Follow your dreams. Get your education up front rather than down the road. It’ll open more opportunities for you. Don’t get disheartened or set back if it takes awhile to get there. We’re going through revitalization in municipal government. 20 years ago there weren’t many jobs and there is a mass retirement now and a lot of opportunities are going to be coming forward in the future. It’s a great time for jobs and interest in our field
Q: Do you have any hiring practices tips to share?
A: Do your homework i.e., come prepared to answer questions. Find out what you can about the organization or community you’re applying to. Know what your community has to offer and the structure of the organization as much as you can
Required Skills, Training and Education
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Education or related field of study supplemented with specialized courses in communication, conflict resolution, staff supervision, and public speaking.
- Up to 5 to 7 years of progressive management experience in Community Services or Public Administration.
- Experience working with community organizations and development of outdoor services and public recreation.
- Supervisory experience is required.