Parks Interpretive Specialist 1 (Moran State Park) Seasonal

Full Job Description

Under the direction of park management and the lead interpretive specialist, this position provides professional level interpretive services at Moran and Obstruction Pass State Parks on Orcas Island.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

The San Juan archipelago north of Puget Sound is like no other place on earth. The cluster of 400 islands and rocks in the heart of the Salish Sea is a world unto itself.

Within this watery haven, 16 Washington State Parks welcome locals and visitors to moor, dock, hike, kayak, camp, sightsee and just be on their beautiful shores.

Four San Juan Islands and four State Parks are accessible by car on a Washington State Ferry.

Park goers can access a few of the additional 12 Marine Island State Parks by commercial water taxi or private boat.

The auto-accessible parks are Moran (Orcas), Lime Kiln Point (San Juan), Spencer Spit (Lopez) and Obstruction Pass (Orcas).

The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage visitors with the unique natural environment, rich history, and cultural stories of Moran State Park and the San Juan Islands. If you have a love for nature, history, and people, this is the right position for you!

Requirements

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the implementation of the site interpretive master plan and programs for Moran & Obstruction Pass State Parks.
• Coordinates and delivers interpretive programs such as guided walks, roving narration, pop-ups, presentations, and Junior Ranger programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups.
• Assists supervisor with day-to-day operations and management of the Moran State Park Summit Visitor Center, working in conjunction with the Friends of Moran for interpretive topics and presence.
• Assists with public outreach to local partners, schools, and non-profit organizations.
• May act as a liaison in assisting other park areas with coordinating, supporting, and consulting on interpretive activities and programs.
• Independently operates Park vehicles.
• Researches and develops thematic interpretive and educational programs in support of the Interpretive Master Plan and parks educational opportunities.
• Provides technical interpretive expertise for internal and external exhibits, interpretive media publications, brochures, panels, signage, and other educational materials, as directed.
• Assists with curator activities for identification, preservation, and cataloging of historic artifacts, geologic specimens, interpretive collections, relevant records, and library resources for use in interpretive programming and exhibits.
• Maintains interpretive exhibits, collections, and related facilities/structures, such as interpretive trails, kiosks, and information bulletin boards and ensures they are safe and cleaned.
• Provides a range of customer service needs including orientation to park resources and facilities, interpretive opportunities, and other outdoor recreation learning amenities.
• Markets interpretive services and special events within the Park Area and assists with scheduling of services.
• Maintains operational reports required for business practice reviews and interpretive statistics.
• Educates park visitors on rules and regulations that govern activities within the park.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1:

• Four (4) years' experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 2:

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation of Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or an allied field and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 3:

• A combination of education and experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation that equals up to four (4) years and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently or lead others while using good judgement.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Promotes cooperation and an eagerness and capacity to learn new skills.
• Be a self-starter who can see a project through to completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Public Speaking & Interpretive Delivery

• The ability to convey complex natural or historical concepts into engaging, thematic stories for diverse audiences.

Program Development & Research

• Proficiency in researching regional history, geology, and ecology to create new educational curricula and thematic programs.

Public Outreach & Relationship Management

• Building and maintaining partnerships with local schools, non-profits, and community stakeholders.

Marketing & Customer Service

• Promoting park services and events to increase attendance while providing top-tier orientation to park visitors.

The ability to take action to learn and grow:

• Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.
• Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases.
• Identifying and communicating their needs and challenges openly.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives.
• Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.
• Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

Requirements:
Uniform Information: All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.

Working Conditions: Position works five (5) days a week, Wednesday - Sunday. Core working hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evening may be required periodically. Adjustments to the work schedule may be expected to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request and is subject to supervisory approval. Incumbent is expected to maintain regular and reliable attendance to accommodate office and customer demands. This position will require offsite travel to conduct in-school, other outreach presentations, and interpretive services with the Park Area. Periodic travel between parks and/or statewide for meetings, training, and other field work may be required, including overnight travel.

How to apply:
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. You must attach or embed in your application the following:

• Letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.
• Three professional references, if not completed in the application process.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

Additional Information

About Parks:
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful—parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Note: This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this recruitment or Parks hiring process, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8569.

For information about this position, please contact Emily Herman at Emily.Herman@parks.wa.gov or (360) 643-5767.

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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