Salary: $3,246.00 – $4,324.00 Monthly
Location: Columbia County – Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Non-Permanent
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Number: 2023-03378
Closing: 4/28/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
The season dates for this position are May 1st (5/1) through September 30th (9/30), yearly

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. 

The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage visitors with the geology, flora, fauna, and rich cultural stories of Palouse Falls and Lyons Ferry State Parks. If you have a love for nature and people, this is the right position for you! This position leads nature hikes, guided paddles, and programs on topics ranging from the geology of Ice Age Floods to the 20th century ferry that served as a lifeline across the Snake River before bridges and dams were built.

Come engage our visitors with the geology, flora, fauna, and rich cultural stories of Palouse Falls and Lyons Ferry State Parks – join our team!

Duties
Under the supervision of the Area Manager and the Interpretive Specialist 2, this position directly supports the mission by providing interpretive services to Palouse Falls State Park, Lyons Ferry State Park, other Blue Mountain Area State Parks, and the Sacajawea Interpretive Center.

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Responsible for implementation of the Palouse Falls State Park and Lyons Ferry State Park interpretive plan and programs.
  • Develop and deliver interpretive programs such as guided walks, talks, presentations, living history programs, and Junior Ranger programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups. 
  • Deliver interpretive programs in a variety of venues including schools and possibly online formats. 
  • Research, develop, and implement programs, projects, and partnerships to ensure compatibility with the agency’s interpretive program. 
  • Facilitate group tours and activities.
  • Conduct educational outreach programs and activities as appropriate.
  • Conduct routine face-to-face contact with visitors providing a range of customer service.
  • Inform groups and individuals of park rules and regulations when necessary.
  • Maintain interpretive exhibits, collections, and related facilities, such as interpretive trails, kiosks, information bulletin boards, and historic landscapes.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate degree in interpretation, pacific northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field.**
  • One (1) year of experience in historic preservation, historic/natural science research, or interpretation. 
  • A valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.

** Additional year of experience in historic preservation, historic/natural science research, or interpretation may be substituted year for year for education.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in interpretation, pacific northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related field.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently or lead others while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT
All Washington State Parks employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the time of hire. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. If you have questions about this requirement, please contact the recruitment team at HR.Recruitment@parks.wa.gov.   

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.

HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. It is highly encouraged to 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.

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/. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3947196/parks-interpretive-specialist-1-lyons-ferry