Duties

Under the direction from the Interpretive Program Manager, with day-to-day supervision by the Northwest Region Manger, this project position serves as an expert-level interpretive specialist responsible for implementing a statewide approach to optimizing interpretive services at parks without dedicated interpretive staff or facilities. Connecting park audiences to state park resources and providing memorable experiences has long-term benefits for support and advocacy of State Parks’ mission, vision, and strategic goals. This position will be focused within, but not limited to, the Cascade Foothills and Tahoma Gateway Areas and will bring a strategic partnership focus to Lake Sammamish, Saint Edward and Saltwater State Parks.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the assessment and development of methods to provide interpretive experiences in parks which may not have a dedicated interpretive facility, staff or formal interpretive program.
• Supports field staff performing interpretive functions by providing best practices consultation and training.
• Facilitates outreach programming that aligns with agency diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, including implementation of urban youth engagement strategies.
• Support Implementation of Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership activities with federal, tribal, state, and local governments and organizations. 
• Assist the statewide interpretive program in the development of virtual programming opportunities that extend outreach to underrepresented/underserved communities with a focus on regional school districts, libraries, and other community partners.
• Responsible for the design and implementation of virtual programs using livestream and pre-recorded methodologies.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in interpretation, environmental education, communication, or a closely related field such as geography, pacific northwest history, American history, or environmental science.
• Two (2) years of experience implementing cultural, historical, or natural interpretation programs. (A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience)
• A valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year experience in the development of youth oriented (K-12) outdoor education lesson plans.
• One (1) year of experience working with multi-lingual audiences.

UNIFORM INFORMATION:
All Parks Interpretive Specialists 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. Use reference number 06126 when searching for the job announcement.

You must attach in your application the following:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.
• Three professional references.

**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.**

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

NOTE:  Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

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 committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment – one that embraces the full spectrum of all community members’ contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:

• Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability;
• Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences;
• Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society;
• Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future; and
• Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.

The Commission encourages and supports staff efforts to reach out to people of all races, national origins, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, veteran status, ages, and genders who use the parks and who live in communities nearby parks. This outreach is to focus on engaging in partnerships that expand programs and services in a way that is meaningful and of value to all people. The Commission is dedicated to offering quality experiences to all visitors through a workforce and volunteer corps that reflects the diversity of Washington State.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. 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 Ryan Karlson at Ryan.Karlson@Parks.wa.gov (360) 902-8650