Recreation Leader IV- Environmental Educator

Recreation Leader IV-Environmental Educator

Join our Great City

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district.

The City of Alexandria is an independent City with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Recreation Leader IV/Environmental Educator for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA).

Position Overview

The Recreation Leader IV/Environmental Educator plays a leading role in developing, implementing, and managing free and fee based environmental education programing at the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center. This is a full-time supervisory position that reports to and receives support from the Recreation Manager/Naturalist.

The Opportunity

• Plan, lead, and evaluate on-site, school-based, and community outreach environmental education programming.
• Assist with the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of seasonal and part-time staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Assist in managing the day-to-day operations of the Nature Center including facilities management, program administration, and overseeing the care and use of a live animal collection.
• Develop and maintain relationships with public and private schools, City agencies, and community organizations to maximize program reach, accessibility, and impact.

• Help maintain registration database, expense and revenue records, program and participant metrics, and contribute to monthly Departmental reports.
• Contribute to the production and distribution of seasonal program guides, promotional materials and educational resources.

What You Should Bring

Each member of the team is accountable for the outstanding delivery of services to the community. You will bring expertise on environmental science and nature-based education, the principles and practices of program development, management and administration, and knowledge of Virginia’s Science Standards of Learning (SOLs). You will have a demonstrated ability to train and supervise staff and volunteers, care for and manage an animal collection, and develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, program participants, and partners. You should possess independent judgment and initiative, enthusiasm, flexibility, excellent oral and written communication, and a commitment to provide great customer experiences. You should also be available to work various hours which include days, evenings, weekends and some holidays.
 

About the Department

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well-maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best-practice standards in the industry.

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director
 Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

About You

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime. 

As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

Associate Degree and four (4) years  of experience  or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.


Completion of college-level coursework in wildlife biology, natural resources, environmental science, parks and recreation, or related field. Experience administering oral and injectable medications for exotic animals. Experience with RecTrac and/or other recreation management software, Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft 365.  Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Interpretive Guide, Virginia Master Naturalist, and/or Virginia Environmental Education Certification

This position requires pre-employment background checks which include, but are not limited to, a criminal records check and drug screening.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.