Park Operations Specialist - Durant and Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserves

Posting number: 2026-00477

Department: PRCR- Parks-Natural Resources

Job classification: Recreation Leader

Posting type: Open

Categories: Natural Resources

Summary

About the Preserves:
 Durant Nature Preserve (237 acres) and Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve (146 acres) have a goal of protecting and preserving the area’s significant natural resources and providing nature-based recreation and environmental education experiences. This position will be based out of Durant Nature Preserve and work will be performed there as well as at Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve.

About Our Team:

The Nature Preserves and Programs Team is part of the City’s Natural Resources Unit, which is devoted to connecting people and nature through experiences, conservation, and education and is comprised of 3 Nature Preserves, 1 Nature Park, the Environmental Education Programs & Support Office, and the Land Stewardship Program. Diverse views and experiences make us strong. We look for candidates with both experience and skills who work well in a team, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and are committed to inclusion and diversity. Working for The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department and the Natural Resources Unit will allow you to make a positive impact in our community as you help shape future generations and grow your career.

Examples of duties

• Perform light maintenance, field work, and custodial duties
• Maintain trails, gardens, bird feeders, and nest boxes
• Open and/or close preserves
• Seek compliance of preserve rules through education
• Assess and address safety concerns and serve as part of parks’ emergency response team
• Respond to patrons’ questions and rental inquiries
• Assist with creation of interpretive materials including signs, posters, and kiosk displays
• Lead and/or assist in instruction of a variety of nature programs
• Perform animal care duties
• Participate in wildlife monitoring and natural resource inventory initiatives
• Lead and work alongside volunteer groups
• Provide facility tours to prospective renters

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED
  
Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• First AID/CPR/AED training, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire (provided by City of Raleigh).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a park, nature center, or similar public setting.
• Experience providing customer service through various modes of communication.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to drive the on-site utility vehicles or trucks to complete duties around the preserves.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions using hand tools and power equipment.

Supplemental information

Work Hours: 5-6 hour shifts starting at 8am or 3pm for 3-4 days per week which includes 1-2 weekend days as late as 11pm. Work schedule allows for some flexibility. 
 
This role works approximately 20 hours per week as a Part-Time position with a yearly maximum of 999 hours.

ADA and Other Requirements: 
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
  
Medium Work: 
 Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both the field and in an indoor office environment with frequent exposure to hazardous physical condition