Parks Interpretive Specialist 1

position Status: This is a permanent career seasonal position. If hired, you would return to the same park each year for the duration of the season. Season dates are from 4/1 – 9/30. 

Under the direction of park management and the lead interpretive specialist, this position provides professional level interpretive services at Moran and Obstruction Pass State Parks on Orcas Island.

The San Juan archipelago north of Puget Sound is like no other place on earth. The cluster of 400 islands and rocks in the heart of the Salish Sea is a world unto itself. Within this watery haven, 16 Washington State Parks welcome locals and visitors to moor, dock, hike, kayak, camp, sightsee and just be on their beautiful shores. Four San Juan Islands and four State Parks are accessible by car on a Washington State Ferry. Park goers can access a few of the additional 12 Marine Island State Parks by commercial water taxi or private boat. The auto-accessible parks are Moran (Orcas), Lime Kiln Point (San Juan), Spencer Spit (Lopez) and Obstruction Pass (Orcas).

The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage visitors with the unique natural environment, rich history, and cultural stories of Moran State Park and the San Juan Islands. If you have a love for nature, history, and people, this is the right position for you!

Some of what you’ll do:

• Responsible for the implementation of the site interpretive master plan and programs for Moran & Obstruction Pass State Parks.
• Coordinates and delivers interpretive programs such as guided walks, roving narration, pop-ups, presentations, and Junior Ranger programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups.
• Assists supervisor with day-to-day operations and management of the Moran State Park Summit Visitor Center, working in conjunction with the Friends of Moran for interpretive topics and presence.
• Assists with public outreach to local partners, schools, and non-profit organizations.
• May act as a liaison in assisting other park areas with coordinating, supporting, and consulting on interpretive activities and programs.
• Independently operates Park vehicles.
• Assists with curator activities for identification, preservation, and cataloging of historic artifacts, geologic specimens, interpretive collections, relevant records, and library resources for use in interpretive programming and exhibits.
• Provides a range of customer service needs including orientation to park resources and facilities, interpretive opportunities, and other outdoor recreation learning amenities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1:

• Four (4) years’ experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.

Option 2:

• A bachelor’s degree involving major study in interpretation of Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or an allied field and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.

Option 3:

• A combination of education and experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation that equals up to four (4) years and a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently or lead others while using good judgement.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Promotes cooperation and an eagerness and capacity to learn new skills.
• Be a self-starter who can see a project through to completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.