What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parks Interpretive Assistant (Dry Falls Visitor Center) position at State of Washington Parks and Recreation...?
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Parks Interpretive Assistant
Location: Coulee City, WA
Closes: February 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST. The typical work schedule is five (5) days per week, working weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work schedule is flexible based on business needs and supervisor approval.
Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab
of this recruitment announcement, for more information on employee benefits eligibility
visit - Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB)
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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. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.
Are you passionate about nature, history, and providing exceptional experiences to visitors? Washington State Parks is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join us as an Interpretive Assistant at the breathtaking Dry Falls Visitor Center and Coulee Corridor of Parks.
As an Interpretive Assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse visitors in the fascinating natural and cultural heritage of Dry Falls and surrounding parks of the Coulee Corridor.
From the majestic views of the ancient geological wonder to the rich stories of its past inhabitants, you'll play a vital role in creating memorable moments for all who visit. You will also gain the benefits of:
- Valuable experience in interpretation, education, and customer service.
- Working in a stunning natural setting surrounded by the beauty of Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State, Steamboat Rock, and Potholes State Parks.
- Collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to environmental stewardship.
- Enjoying the satisfaction of enriching the lives of visitors through meaningful experiences.
Duties
This position supports the interpretive programs of the Dry Falls Visitor Center and the Coulee Corridor Area Parks by acting as an interpretive resource and providing a clean and safe environment to park visitors.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Acts as an interpretive resource for visitors, greets tourists, students and other organized groups.
- Participates in revenue generating activities and the collection of entrance fees.
- Assists with record keeping activities.
- Presents and assists in guided tours, campfire programs, slide, and movie presentations.
- Responds to questions and correspondence from visitors.
- Assists the Interpretive Specialist with research and reference work relating to site Interpretive Master Plan, and educational outreach programs.
- Assists in maintenance of artifact accession and inventory records.
- Assists with the development of interpretive materials and exhibits.
- Assists in the routine maintenance of site interpretive facilities and resources, trails, and exhibits such as cleaning exhibit cases, floor care, window washing, and garbage checks.
- Performs grounds maintenance work such as mowing lawns and assisting with restroom cleaning.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two (2) years of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field.**
- Valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
**Experience in historic preservation or in historic or natural science research or interpretation may be substituted, year-for-year, for education.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
- Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
- Take direction and has an eagerness and adaptability to learn new skills.
- Take initiative and see a project through completion.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All Parks Interpretive Assistants 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.
Supplemental Information
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.
This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/.
Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ community.
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 the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Nikki Williams at Nikki.Williams@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8678.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 position, please contact David McWalter at David.McWalter@parks.wa.gov or (509) 632-5214.
