Outdoor Center Outdoor Recreation Instructor (part time)

  • Eden Prairie
  • Eden Prairie
Outdoor Center Outdoor Recreation Instructor

Status: Part-time

Salary: Starts at $23.00 to $28.00 per hour depending upon experience/skills

Location: Staring Lake Outdoor Center and Observatory; offsite on occasion based on program needs

Hours: Based on program schedule and business need; may include a combination of daytime, evening and weekend

Reporting Relationship: Reports to Outdoor Center Supervisor/Lead Naturalist

Recreation Division

The Recreation Services Division has the responsibility for managing all recreation facilities and providing a variety of affordable recreation and educational programs and services for all age groups and people for all abilities. The staff in this division are responsible for the management of facilities such as the Senior Center, the Art Center, and the Outdoor Center, as well as all other City Park buildings and recreation facilities such as the sledding hill and amphitheater.

Position Details

The Outdoor Center Outdoor Recreation Instructor is responsible for the planning and implementation of a diverse array of outdoor recreation programming. The primary position responsibilities and areas of impact are:

  • Develops, organizes, and implements high quality outdoor recreation programs for the general public.
  • Provides quality instruction in a variety of program formats for participants of all ages including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
  • Develops and implements nature-based programs for special events such as school field trips, birthday parties, and scout visits.
  • Collaborates with colleagues and the Outdoor Center Supervisor/Lead Naturalist to update and improve the Outdoor Center, its programs and instructional materials.
  • Provides a high level of customer service and ensures a safe and welcoming environment for the public.
  • Collaborates with staff to develop and implement special events such as the annual Halloween Celebration.
  • While these areas are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees may be called upon to perform a variety of duties in their roles with the City.
Position Requirements

Education: B.S. or B.A. degree in recreation, education, or related subject required; CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.

Work Experience: At least one year of outdoor recreation, naturalist, teaching, or related experience in a formal or informal setting working with children and adults strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience teaching outdoor and adventure skills such as camping, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, or snowshoeing preferred. Experience in adventure and/or experiential education preferred.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to frequently lift/carry/pull up to 35 lbs. and occasionally lift/carry/pull 35-75 lbs. and infrequently lift/carry/pull up to 100 lbs.

Position Specific Expectations

Adaptability: Approaches known and unknown situations with confidence and flexible thinking skills; responds to changing variables with positivity and strong improvisational skills; effective at generating and utilizing creative ideas.

Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner with diverse individuals and groups. Respond to feedback and customize messaging for the target audience.

Feeback and Direction: Ability to receive feedback; demonstrates an ability to use feedback to improve performance; ability to follow directions to complete tasks.

Proactive: Ability self-direct and take responsibility for work-related tasks; anticipates issues and prepares solutions; demonstrates confidence in the ability to complete complex tasks independently.

Accountability: Follows through on commitments; takes responsibilities for actions both as an individual and on behalf of the organization; actions and words are in sync; follows all policies and procedures; maintains confidentiality; is prepared and punctual to all scheduled shifts.

City of Eden Prairie Values

We are a service organization. We take pride in what we do. We cultivate a supportive, encouraging and productive culture with a strong customer focus. We promote wellness and plan work/life balance into our goals. We value differences and foster inclusion. We achieve success by exhibiting our core values: collaboration, innovation, integrity, performance and relationships.

City of Eden Prairie Pre-employment Process

The City of Eden Prairie conducts the following pre-employment checks for this position:
  • Professional Reference Checks
  • Criminal History Check
  • Education and work history verification


All final candidates must successfully complete and pass the City's evaluation of the pre-employment process before their first day of employment.