Outreach Programs Senior Interpreter (Naturalist/Historian Senior Interpreter)

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking an Outreach Program Senior Interpreter to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, and 420 parks, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. The Outreach Programs Senior Interpreter supports all outreach programs of the Resource Management and Interpretation branch including the main outreach program the Wonder Wagon and smaller programs like Watch the Green Grow and Meaningful Watershed education Experiences for school students. This position will manage all aspects of interpretive and educational programming for the Roving Nature interpreters. Other duties include designing, conducting, and evaluating nature stewardship programs for outreach. This position also oversees the Watch the Green Grow program coordinator and supports the growth and development of the program as well as applying for grant funding to support outreach initiatives.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Supervises and coordinates site interpretive programming to include planning, development, and evaluation of educational, informational and recreation programs, tours, exhibits, and other media;
• Plans and develops interpretive calendar;
• Monitors trends in interpretation and gauges demand for interpretive services;
• Hires, trains, evaluates and counsels interpretive programming staff;
• Reviews interpretive materials prepared by staff and monitors the quality of interpretive programs;
• Directs staff in site program development;
• Coordinates administrative aspects of programming including scheduling, registration, revenue collection, purchasing, promotion and record keeping;
• Develops budget requirements for site interpretive program and monitors expenses and revenues to maintain budget constraints;
• Maintains fiscal records necessary to the operation and evaluation of interpretive program;
• Develops or assists in the development of interpretive programs and media including exhibits, literature, and audio-visual programs;
• Designs, presents, and evaluates interpretive programs covering a wide range of topics on natural and cultural history for a diverse group of audiences;
• Reviews and/or prepares interpretive materials including brochures, interpretive flyers, promotional materials, technical publications, audiovisual productions, trail interpretation and educational materials;
• Conducts research in support of programming, interpretation and training;
• Responds to public inquiries regarding programs and operations;
• Represents site in division programming committee;
• Assists site management in long-range planning.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of effective instructional methods and techniques;
• Knowledge of equipment and materials needed to conduct interpretive and environmental/historical education programs;
• Ability to provide expert knowledge in the development of a wide range of interpretive programs and activities;
• Ability to provide technical resource and program leadership to interpretive staff;
• Ability to develop and present creative, environmental/historical education and interpretive programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for all age levels;
• Ability to supervise professional and volunteer staff members;
• Ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budget;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to interpret technical natural and cultural history materials to lay persons;
• Ability to deal effectively with the public.

For Nature Centers:

• Knowledge of the natural and biological sciences, including the theory, principles and practices of interpretation, conservation and environmental education;
• Knowledge of current sources of information on field identification and interpretive techniques;
• Knowledge of natural resource management;
• Knowledge of native flora, fauna, geology, and ecology of the local area;
• Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in natural or life sciences, history, education, park management, or a related field; PLUS, One year of responsible experience in interpretation/programming, environmental or historical education, or a closely related field.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver’s License (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL requirement:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. or higher degree in biology, life sciences, education, environmental science, park management, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in planning and conducting natural and cultural history interpretive programs.
• Experience in community engagement.
• Experience with recruiting and managing part time staff or volunteers, some experience with project planning, reporting, and budgeting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to spend extended periods of time standing, walking, and to traverse rough and uneven terrain inspecting remote park areas. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit. Ability to work in varying weather conditions. Occasionally lifts, transports, positions, push/pulls or moves up to 50 pounds. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during Application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.govEEO/AA/TTY.

#LI-SP1