Temporary Parks Special Events Assistant

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Parks
HOURS: Part-time temporary (15-20 hr/week)
HOULRY RATE: $18.00 - $22.00 (dependent on qualifications)
LOCATION: Various County Park facilities with some remote work
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until available positions are filled.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Temporary Parks Special Events Assistant will provide support to the Parks Special Events program and outstanding customer service for Dakota County Parks, specifically in the areas of event planning and delivery. The Temporary Special Events Assistant will report to and assist the Parks Special Events Coordinator on a variety of projects to increase awareness, and visitation of the Dakota County Parks through public events. The Dakota County Special Events range from 300-2000 attendees.

Frequent travel is required, to local community events, and parks. Position requires travel within Dakota County and will require occasional use of a personal vehicle.

Availability to staff activities that include very frequent evenings and weekends as well as daytime events throughout the Winter season, including, but not limited to, the following dates:

• Opt Outside, November 28th - Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• New Year's Eve Party, December 31 - Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Trails by Lantern Light, December 21 - January 4 - Lebanon Hills Regional Park
• Trails by Lantern Light - Weekends in February and March - Whitetail Woods Regional Park
• Pop up events as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of hands-on program and/or event support, outreach, education, engagement, parks and recreation, or a closely related field? The work experience may have been earned as a volunteer, intern, or direct employment.
  OR
• One year of college coursework in Communications, Marketing, Event Planning, Parks & Recreation, or a closely related field AND One year of program and/or event support, outreach, education, engagement, parks and recreation, or a closely related field
  AND
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred experience beyond minimum qualifications:

• Language proficiency in Spanish, Somali and/or Hmong
• Ability to effectively collaborate, communicate and meet position goals while working remotely and on-site during events and activities.
• Interest in outdoor events and connecting people to nature.
• Experience promoting programs, services, or events using tools such as social media, Instagram, Facebook, and other methods.
• Experience preparing and maintaining event equipment and supplies.
• Experience preparing flyers, brochures, and other marketing tools

*Pursuant to Dakota County Policy, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive. "Safety-sensitive position" means a position, including any supervisory or management position, in which impairment caused by drug, alcohol, or cannabis use would threaten the health and safety of any person as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 181.950, subdivision 13.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Support the park's events by assisting with the coordination of planning, logistics, promotion, and implementation.
2. Assist the Parks Special Events Coordinator in the delivery and implementation of all special events by working on-site, in person during events.
3. Manage event equipment rental form and coordinate pick-up and delivery of equipment.
4. Provide administrative and programmatic support to the park's marketing, awareness, and promotional efforts.
5. Act as a positive and professional representative of the Dakota County Parks during public events.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Punctuality, ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced working environment.
• Flexibility and making quick decisions for the best service for event attendees.
• Continuous high level of customer service.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a variety of audiences.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic specifically about the outdoors and community engagement.
• Proven ability to work well with others.
• Ability to work flexible hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows computer applications.
• Knowledge of natural history and outdoor recreation helpful.
• Willing to learn and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Work is performed primarily remotely and at community event sites but will sometimes take place at the Dakota County Lebanon Hills Visitor Center and other County buildings. Work will be performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Working hours may include daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday hours (ex. New Year's Eve).

Frequent travel is required, including frequent travel to local community events, and parks. Position requires travel within Dakota County and will require occasional use of a personal vehicle. Position will work out of various park locations and have the ability to occasionally work remotely at home. Applicant must have the physical ability to staff events, which may be held outdoors and include walking, fishing, music events and other outdoor activities. Lifting requirement of up to 30 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, large tents, stage, PA sound system, computers, tablets, printers, phones, copier, and fax machines.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks

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