What are the responsibilities and job description for the PARK INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST (SEASONAL) position at Department of Parks & Recreation?
“Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program).”
The reporting location for this position is the Tijuana Estuary Natural Preserve, 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. The incumbent works under the supervision of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor) with leadership from the San Diego Coast District Interpretation and Education Team.
The Park Interpretive Specialist (PIS) will be an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team that is headquartered with CA State Parks in the San Diego Coast District, with a primary focus on the Tijuana Estuary Sector which includes Silver Strand State Beach (SSSB), Border Field State Park, Tijuana Estuary Natural Preserve, and the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The PIS will perform interpretive, environmental education, and visitor services duties in these park units.The incumbent will work in park units that include a range of facilities to support recreation and human connection with the resources, including, a RV and group campground, a visitor center, an aquatic center, day use and picnic areas, a youth education classroom, a community room, and miles of trails through a variety of coastal habitats and beaches. Although the position is with CA State Parks, the incumbent will work closely with a number of core partners, including, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a non-governmental organization (Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association/Tijuana Estuary Foundation), Southwestern Community College District, and a local resort.
Specific duties to include: Conduct formal and informal education programs, such as K-12 school programs, Parks Online Resources for Teachers (PORTS), Junior Rangers, campfire and campground programs, bike tours, kayak tours, educational tabling, and roving interpretation activities. Participate in outreach efforts, special events, and community programs. Promote and provide Adventure Pass Programs to 4th grade students and their families at SSSB. Support interpretation and education at volunteer events. Engage visitors at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. Provide regional and site orientation, exhibit overview, relevant interpretation and education, and enhance the visitor experience. Open, close, and operate the facility in accordance with set operating hours and procedures. Sell merchandise at the gift shop and provide administrative assistance. Assist with visitor center housekeeping and exhibit care.
Must be able to work holidays, weekends and evening special events. Anticipated weekly schedule is Thursday through Sunday. This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. This position is designated as not telework eligible.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Chris Peregrin @ 619-204-0097 or chris.peregrin@parks.ca.gov. Additionally: jobs@trnerr.org
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Typical work activities may involve frequent and prolonged periods of standing, talking, and walking and some physical labor. May have moderate exposure to water, sun, dirt, dust, fumes unpleasant odors and/or loud noises.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.- PARK INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST (SEASONAL)
Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Candidates that believe they meet the Minimum qualifications based on a pattern of education from the classification description (specifications) must provide a copy of your degree/transcripts and/or license along with your application (STD. 678) to be considered for this position. If selected for the position, official sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 4/21/2025Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Desirable Qualifications
This is a dynamic area of focus that includes some of the State’s most significant natural and cultural resources, and arguably some of the greatest conservation and access challenges found in the nation. We are looking for a candidate with a positive attitude that believes in the power of education. The ideal candidate enjoys collaborating with others and is comfortable working independently. Bilingual Spanish/English speaking and writing preferred.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Chris Peregrin
(619) 204-0097
chris.peregrin@parks.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Additional Instructions
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Salary : $18 - $22
