Interpretive Student Aides are currently enrolled high school and college students who work alongside Naturalist staff to provide interpretive programs and public information in a park visitor center and surrounding parklands. These paid positions are designed for students considering a career in interpretation, environmental education, natural history, cultural history, or park professions while supplementing their current coursework in natural science and/or cultural history. In addition to gaining natural and cultural history information relating to parks, students will develop interpretive skills in this training position.

The Park District's operations are currently modified due to COVID-19 that may affect seasonal assignment needs.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Natural Science/cultural history.
• Basic math skills;
• Principles of effective customer service;
• Principles and practices of public speaking;
• Local flora and fauna;
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. 

Ability to:

• Communicate park rules and procedures effectively to park visitors and users; 
• Make presentations or conduct programs for small to medium-sized groups;
• Provide public information and customer service; 
• Work outdoors in inclement weather; conduct monetary transactions in a variety of forms (cash, credit, electronic); 
• Handle cash, count correct change, record transactions; 
• Perform basic clerical duties; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; 
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and external customers. 

Salary: After one calendar year, (no less than 800 hours worked) if job performance has progressed, the Aide is awarded a salary step increase.
ISA II
Step A - $19.87/hour
Step B - $20.91/hour
Working Conditions:

• Must pass a Level 1 background screening
• The Interpretive Student Aide position is a 2-4 year training program.
• Aides must maintain student status during the entire period of the training program. This is a year-round position; the Aides generally work part-time during the school year and may work full-time during school breaks, up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.
• Aides will be limited to working 900 hours between July 1 through June 30 of each year.
• Aides are required to wear uniforms and work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

Student Aides work at the following EBRPD Interpretive Centers:

• Big Break Visitor at the Delta Center in Oakley
• Black Diamond Mines in Antioch
• Coyote Hills or Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont
• Crab Cove at Crown Beach in Alameda
• Del Valle in Livermore
• Garin Regional Park in Hayward
• Mobile Education Outreach based out of Alameda
• Sunol Regional Wilderness in Sunol
• Tilden Botanic Garden in Berkeley
• Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley

Application materials for this position consist of two (2) required parts:

• A current East Bay Regional Park District NeoGov Application; and
• Completed Supplemental Questions.

Selection Process: The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for testing or interview. The Park District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment devices before or after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment. The individual chosen for hire must be able to pass a background check, including a fingerprint check, prior to employment.
Applications meeting the minimum qualifications will be retained for the calendar year (January 1 - December 31) and will be used to fill any vacancies that occur during the current year.
Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at 510-544-2154.