Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 (Deception Pass State Park)

State of Washington•Island County – Other, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Operations Ranger, this position provides cultural and environmental education to the visiting public, students, and community groups. It supports the operation of the Deception Pass Area. It creates opportunities for the public to make meaningful connections with park resources, and create a sense of stewardship and continued support, to provide future generations with the same opportunities to enjoy the rich legacy of Washington State Parks. This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions. For the first time since 2019, Deception Pass State Park is advertising for an Interpretive Specialist 2. This position is critical to the operations of the park as they set the tone for visitor connection and interaction with the staff. On average, the park staff, led by the IS2, connect with approximately 60,000 visitors per year through numerous interpretive programs. These programs include, but are not limited to the Beach Naturalist’s, Art’s in the Park, Junior Ranger, Night Skies, Creature Corner, in school field trips, in park field trips, game nights, and nature hikes. The IS2 will work closely with many internal and external stakeholders, including the Deception Pass Park Foundation, Washington State Park Foundation, Fidalgo Nature School, and numerous tribal governments. We are seeking a candidate that enjoys working outside, engaging the community, developing programs, and truly has a gift toward Nature Interpretation.

Requirements

Option 1: Four (4) years' experience in the field of cultural or natural/earth science or interpretation and two (2) years' experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
Option 2: A bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation or environmental education, or a related field such as earth science, education, Pacific Northwest or American history, or environmental science and two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
Option 3: A master's degree and one (1) year of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
Option 4: A combination of related education and experience in the field of cultural or natural/earth science or interpretation that equals up to four (4) years and two (2) years' experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
Workload Management: Effectively handle and organize multiple assignments and competing priorities, making sound decisions to produce accurate and timely work product. Remain focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions, making the best use of available time and resources.
Mastery of Computer Skills: Use computers, including all associated hardware and software, to produce timely and accurate work products that fully satisfy the demands of the assignment. Adapt through continual learning to new/updated computer software and hardware.
Fiscal Accountability: Demonstrate attention to detail when entering or calculating fiscal data, noticing errors and/or minor differences in values that may be easy to overlook. Recognize when results of calculations look wrong and understand how to correct errors. Consistently follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, and principles.
Interpersonal Influence: Demonstrate ability to build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers, and customers. Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflicts and maintain good working relationships with others. Display a positive attitude and optimism about the work to be done, co-workers, management, and employer policies.
Reliable and Regular Attendance: Accept personal responsibility to begin work on time and make the best use of available work time. Be ready to be available to internal and external customers during designated office hours.
Independent Judgment: Work independently while making appropriate decisions based on available resources and direction and learning from past situations. Display balanced thinking that combines analysis, existing knowledge, experiences, and varying perspectives.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Help others deal with the ongoing demands of change; proactively embrace change to accomplish goals more effectively.
Development and Continual Learning: Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement by actively working to continuously improve job effectiveness and efficiency. See failure as an opportunity to learn from past results and continue to learn and grow. Look for better ways to perform routine parts of job and participate/assist with agency updates to processes, as assigned.
All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform.
The ability to operate motor vehicles is necessary.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of interpretive methods and principles of thematic interpretive design.
Experience in public presentation and speaking.
Knowledge of Environmental Science.
Ability to work and engage with volunteers and partners is desired.
Ability to perform routine janitorial and minor maintenance duties.
Knowledge of how to operate equipment (such as AV components and projectors) and computer software (such as adobe InDesign and PowerPoint) related to interpretive services.
Knowledge of state government, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of State Parks rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

Provides and supports high quality interpretive opportunities to the visitors of the Deception Pass State Park Area and the Kukutali Preserve.
Develops and conducts interpretive opportunities throughout the years, in the park and community.
Coordinate school and tour groups throughout the Area.
Leads AmeriCorps Interpretive Naturalist and Skillbridge Interns.
Recruits and trains new interpretive volunteers and interns.
Assists in the development of interpretation for the Deception Pass Area: Evaluates current guided and self-guided interpretation in the park; Improves, updates, or suggests changes, as needed.
Oversees the development, care, and maintenance of interpretive displays and facilities throughout the Area: Ensures the interpretive facilities and structures are safe, clean, and well maintained. This includes the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center, Discovery Center, interpretive displays and signage, amphitheater, and other structures used for interpretation throughout the Area.
Performs administrative duties as related to Interpretive programming: Collects, tabulates, and reports annual interpretive statistics for Deception Pass Area.
Monitors multiple budget sources for the purpose of purchasing materials and supplies for interpretive use.