Park Interpretive Specialist

DEFINITION

Under direction of a State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger) and a State Park Interpreter, to gather, present, and explain information concerning the State park interpretive program including natural and human history; to encourage good conservation practices; and to do other related work.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS

Persons in this class are employed primarily during the summer season and typically work at one or more of the units of the State Park System.

TYPICAL TASKs

Obtains data and prepares information for exhibits on natural, social, or cultural history; plans, organizes, and conducts educational walks, tours, or campfire programs; leads group singing; gives talks to groups; explains and interprets in an interesting manner the inter-relations of plants, animals, and man to their environments, the geological, social, and cultural history of areas; promotes conservation education by explaining the relation of natural resources to the economy and physical and mental well-being of man; maintains exhibits and self-guided interpretive trails; operates audiovisual equipment and assists in preparing photographs, color slides, motion pictures and other illustrative materials; collects, prepares, and identifies specimens and historical objects and artifacts; compiles check lists and catalogs natural history specimens and historic objects and artifacts; studies natural and human history, and historical features, sites or structures in order to contribute to general scientific, historic and park information; repairs material for scientific, historic or popular publications; explains rules and regulations to visitors for the purpose of protecting and preserving natural, historic and cultural features, sites or structures in state park districts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college (1) with major work in natural sciences or human history, or (2) with major work in education with specialization in natural science or human history. Full-time paid work performing duties similar to those listed under "TYPICAL TASKS" above may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required education on the basis of one season (three months) of experience being equal to one year of education.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Knowledge of natural or human history of California; governmental other organizations concerned with conservation of natural and historic values; forest protective methods.

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct interpretive walks, tours, and campfire programs; plan and maintain exhibits and self-guided interpretive trails; apply scientific knowledge, methods, and techniques in obtaining, arranging and interpreting data, and in collecting, identifying and cataloging specimens and historic objects and artifacts; organize scientific material for presentation and address an audience effectively; prepare written material for reports and publication; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Demonstrated interest in outdoor life and natural history and human history; tact; good address; neat personal appearance; pleasing personality; keenness of observation.

DUTIES:

Presents interpretive information to visitors about history and resources of Millerton Lake SRA, both inside the park and at offsite venues. Conducts research, obtains data, and prepares outlines and materials for interpretative programs. Cleans, organizes, and maintains interpretive equipment, supplies, tools, and displays. Operates and interprets use of scientific tools and equipment (i.e. binoculars, spotting scopes, and telescopes). Collects and records visitor data and evaluates programs. Provides interpretive services throughout the park. Answers questions and inquiries from visitors in-person, on phone, on social media and e-mail, give accurate and complete information. Provides accurate directions to visitors. Maintains emotional composure during emergency situations. Operates radio. Completes assignments and maintains clean work areas. Performs routine cleaning, repairs, stores, and maintains in good condition all tools and equipment. Drives state vehicles, completes vehicle logs and monthly inspections. Operates vessels, conducts monthly vessel inspections and logs vessel usage. Complete housekeeping of park facilities. Conducts interpretive and educational outreach, including nature and history walks and roving, participate in special events, assist with school programing, Junior Ranger activities and campfire programs; perform routine public contact work; answer questions on rules and regulations and facilities for the public; assist in maintaining interpretive collections; and do other related work as assigned. Required work schedule includes weekdays, weekends and holidays typically between the hours of 6AM and 6PM, and may include odd or irregular hours. The reporting location is Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. The purchase and wearing of a State Park uniform will be required. State Park grooming standards must be met. Driving a state vehicle in accomplishing the following tasks may be required. No housing will be provided.

Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal, Temporary

Pay: $17.73 - $21.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Every weekend
• Holidays

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Park Interpretation: 2 years (Required)
• Swimming: 10 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)
• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Friant, CA 93626 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Friant, CA 93626: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22