What are the responsibilities and job description for the PARK INTERPRETER position at State of Arkansas?
Seasonal Park Interpreters
Salary: $15.33/hour
Requisition: 46461
Location: various Arkansas State Parks
Closing date: Until Filled
This position helps park visitors have memorable experiences in state parks and form meaningful connections to the beauty and history of Arkansas through outdoor recreation. The position will research, promote, and present formal and informal outdoor programs that may include guided hikes, amphitheater talks, kayak and boat tours, resource-focused recreational activities, outdoor historic site tours, curriculum-based school programs, and programs for local communities. The position also assists with park operations duties as assigned, to include answering phones, camper registration, retail sales, answering visitor questions, and assisting with housekeeping and maintenance. Specific tasks and interpretive program topics vary by site.
Positions will be filled at various locations around the state (specific locations listed below). Positions range in duration from 3 to 9 months. Positions begin March, April, or May and last through summer or fall depending on duration. Actual work schedules vary by park and season. All positions are considered extra-help (part-time), but employees can expect a 35–40-hour work week during peak visitation season (peak varies by location). Housing is provided at some parks but is not guaranteed.
Valid driver’s license required. Must pass driving record and criminal background check. Must have physical condition sufficient to work outdoors on uneven terrain, and sometimes under strenuous conditions. Must be able to work a non-standard schedule, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings. A mandatory, 4-day, paid interpretation skills training class is provided.
Minimum qualifications are at least two years of college education in a degree plan majoring in natural science, park interpretation, communications, park administration, history, education, forestry, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications are relevant work or volunteer experience, documented experience in public speaking and writing, coursework in interpretive methods, and a working knowledge of Arkansas natural/cultural history. At parks with lakes and rivers, experience and strong skills in swimming, boating, and kayaking are preferred.
Virtual, online interviews with qualified, selected applicants will be held.
At this time, we expect to have multiple positions available at various locations statewide, tentative list below (subject to change as positions are filled). Note: some parks may rehire eligible, returning employees from the previous season. Contact our Personnel office, Program Services office, or specific park Superintendents if you have questions about the availability of parks’ positions, season dates, and housing. You can specify your location preferences on the application and during the interview process if selected to interview. See list on next page.
We are an EOE/AA/ADA employer. Employees (Internal) https://www.transform.ar.gov/personnel/arcareers/
Non-State Employee Applicants (External) https://arcareers.arkansas.gov/
2025 Seasonal Park Interpreter Positions
Position Information
Class Code: P035C
Grade: GS05
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Salary Range: $32,405.00 - $51,686.00
Summary
The Park Interpreter is responsible for the research, development and presentation of programs designed to explain and establish the value of the natural, cultural, and historic resources within the park sites and for promoting the use of Arkansas State Parks. This position are governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Functions
Researches historical, geological, and/or biological data and plans type and content of interpretive programs to meet the needs and learning styles of various groups to illustrate and explain park resources and their values. Researches, locates, identifies, catalogues, documents, and conserves artifacts. Researches, locates, identifies, and catalogues plants and animals located within the park and documents them in the park's Natural Resource Inventory. Researches and designs interior and wayside exhibits, multi-media presentations, brochures, pamphlets, maps, and other materials to provide information and interpretation. Presents programs, demonstrations, and lectures to various groups inside and outside the park. Develops and presents special programs that pertain to the mission and scope of the park. Reviews films, slides, collected information, and specimens. Writes narratives, scripts, outlines, descriptions, and explanations of exhibits, history, geology, archaeology, or ecology to illustrate and explain the nature of the park. Promotes the park and park programs through news releases and media coverage. Performs other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
None
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of Arkansas' natural, cultural, and historic resources. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of multi-media equipment. Knowledge of the principles of advertising and media communications. Knowledge of the principles of scientific research and the techniques of data collection and analysis. Knowledge of environmental and safety laws and regulations pertaining to parks and recreation. Ability to research, script, and design exhibits and displays. Ability to prepare and present interpretive and illustrative oral and written programs. Ability to greet visitors and provide information concerning the state. Ability to maintain records and write reports.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree in natural science, communications, parks and recreation management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Licenses
None
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Salary: $15.33/hour
Requisition: 46461
Location: various Arkansas State Parks
Closing date: Until Filled
This position helps park visitors have memorable experiences in state parks and form meaningful connections to the beauty and history of Arkansas through outdoor recreation. The position will research, promote, and present formal and informal outdoor programs that may include guided hikes, amphitheater talks, kayak and boat tours, resource-focused recreational activities, outdoor historic site tours, curriculum-based school programs, and programs for local communities. The position also assists with park operations duties as assigned, to include answering phones, camper registration, retail sales, answering visitor questions, and assisting with housekeeping and maintenance. Specific tasks and interpretive program topics vary by site.
Positions will be filled at various locations around the state (specific locations listed below). Positions range in duration from 3 to 9 months. Positions begin March, April, or May and last through summer or fall depending on duration. Actual work schedules vary by park and season. All positions are considered extra-help (part-time), but employees can expect a 35–40-hour work week during peak visitation season (peak varies by location). Housing is provided at some parks but is not guaranteed.
Valid driver’s license required. Must pass driving record and criminal background check. Must have physical condition sufficient to work outdoors on uneven terrain, and sometimes under strenuous conditions. Must be able to work a non-standard schedule, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings. A mandatory, 4-day, paid interpretation skills training class is provided.
Minimum qualifications are at least two years of college education in a degree plan majoring in natural science, park interpretation, communications, park administration, history, education, forestry, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications are relevant work or volunteer experience, documented experience in public speaking and writing, coursework in interpretive methods, and a working knowledge of Arkansas natural/cultural history. At parks with lakes and rivers, experience and strong skills in swimming, boating, and kayaking are preferred.
Virtual, online interviews with qualified, selected applicants will be held.
At this time, we expect to have multiple positions available at various locations statewide, tentative list below (subject to change as positions are filled). Note: some parks may rehire eligible, returning employees from the previous season. Contact our Personnel office, Program Services office, or specific park Superintendents if you have questions about the availability of parks’ positions, season dates, and housing. You can specify your location preferences on the application and during the interview process if selected to interview. See list on next page.
We are an EOE/AA/ADA employer. Employees (Internal) https://www.transform.ar.gov/personnel/arcareers/
Non-State Employee Applicants (External) https://arcareers.arkansas.gov/
2025 Seasonal Park Interpreter Positions
- Cossatot , (Wickes, AR - southwest Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Daisy , (Kirby, AR - southwest Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Devil’s Den, (West Fork, AR – north central, Ark.): 9 months | no housing available
- Lake Fort Smith , (Mountainburg, AR - northwest Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, (Perryville, AR – central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Mount Magazine, (Paris, AR- central Ark.): 9 months |no housing available
- Mount Nebo , (Dardanelle, AR - western Ark.): 9 months | no housing available
- Petit Jean , (Morrilton, AR - central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Pinnacle , (Little Rock, AR - central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Woolly Hollow , (Greenbrier, AR - central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
- Village Creek, (Wynne, AR – east Ark.): 9 months | housing available at nearby park
- Delta Heritage Trail, (West Helena, AR – eastern Ark.): 6 months |housing available
- Lake Charles , (Powhatan, AR - northeast Ark.): 6 months | housing available
- Lake Frierson , (Jonesboro, AR - northeast Ark.): 6 months | no housing available
- Mississippi River, (Marianna, AR – eastern Ark.): 6 months |housing available
- Queen Wilhelmina, (Mena, AR – western Ark.): 6 months | housing available
- DeGray Lake , (Bismarck, AR - southwest Ark.): 3 months | no housing available
- Lake Ouachita , (Mountain Pine, AR - southwest Ark.): 3 months | housing available
- Petit Jean , (Morrilton, AR - central Ark.): 3 months | housing available
Position Information
Class Code: P035C
Grade: GS05
FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT
Salary Range: $32,405.00 - $51,686.00
Summary
The Park Interpreter is responsible for the research, development and presentation of programs designed to explain and establish the value of the natural, cultural, and historic resources within the park sites and for promoting the use of Arkansas State Parks. This position are governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Functions
Researches historical, geological, and/or biological data and plans type and content of interpretive programs to meet the needs and learning styles of various groups to illustrate and explain park resources and their values. Researches, locates, identifies, catalogues, documents, and conserves artifacts. Researches, locates, identifies, and catalogues plants and animals located within the park and documents them in the park's Natural Resource Inventory. Researches and designs interior and wayside exhibits, multi-media presentations, brochures, pamphlets, maps, and other materials to provide information and interpretation. Presents programs, demonstrations, and lectures to various groups inside and outside the park. Develops and presents special programs that pertain to the mission and scope of the park. Reviews films, slides, collected information, and specimens. Writes narratives, scripts, outlines, descriptions, and explanations of exhibits, history, geology, archaeology, or ecology to illustrate and explain the nature of the park. Promotes the park and park programs through news releases and media coverage. Performs other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
None
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of Arkansas' natural, cultural, and historic resources. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of multi-media equipment. Knowledge of the principles of advertising and media communications. Knowledge of the principles of scientific research and the techniques of data collection and analysis. Knowledge of environmental and safety laws and regulations pertaining to parks and recreation. Ability to research, script, and design exhibits and displays. Ability to prepare and present interpretive and illustrative oral and written programs. Ability to greet visitors and provide information concerning the state. Ability to maintain records and write reports.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree in natural science, communications, parks and recreation management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Licenses
None
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $32,405 - $51,686
