Interpretation & Education Specialist - DPR60032875

Natural and Cultural Resources; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources seeks an Interpretation & Education Specialist to enhance DPR sites' public programs. You will cultivate relationships, host biannual meetings, and assist in preparing educational materials and trainings.

You will supervise outreach, co-facilitate field trips, and deliver staff training, ensuring materials meet DPR guidelines and support interpretation across natural and cultural resources.

Qualifications

• Experience leading educational experiences for both youth and adults.
• Two years of experience in parks or related work developing interpretive programs.
• Plan, design and conduct educational workshops and outdoor education experiences.
• Training in resource interpretation techniques (e.g., Certified Interpretive Guide).

Responsibilities

• Plan, development, scheduling, and implementation of educational, community, and outreach programming for DPR sites and the resources within them.
• Assist DPR sites in developing new educational and interpretive programs.
• Organize and maintain files, records, databases, and educational materials.
• Conduct biannual meetings with DPR sites and complete associated reports.
• Provide interpretive and educational training to DPR staff.

Skills

Youth education

Adult education

Educational program design

Certified Interpretive Guide training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural science

Job description

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

The primary purpose of the Interpretation & Education (I&E) Specialist is to enhance the ability of DPR sites to provide meaningful public programs. To achieve this, the I&E Specialist will cultivate relationships with DPR sites by hosting biannual meetings. This information is reported to the I&E Program Manager and delegated back to members of the I&E program team. I&E program Specialists will assist DPR sites in hosting special events, participate in outreaches, co-facilitate or assist in field trips, and assist in public programs as needed or requested. I&E Specialist will also participate in regularly scheduled educational and interpretive training for DPR staff. This includes but is not limited staff orientation for their role as park interpreters, Certified Interpretive Guide training, and seasonal staff training. This position is also responsible for creating educational and interpretive materials which can be utilized by DPR staff during public programs. These materials should meet all DPR marketing and communications guidelines.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Planning, development, scheduling, and implementation of educational, community, and outreach programming focused on DPR sites and the natural and cultural resources within them.
• Assist DPR sites in developing new educational and interpretive programs.
• Organize and maintain files, records, databases, and educational materials.
• Conducting biannual meetings with DPR sites and completing associated reports.
• Provide interpretive and educational training to DPR staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $50,088.00 - $54,681.00

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Experience leading educational experiences for both youth and adults.
• Two years of experience in parks or related work using methods in the development of interpretive and educational programs and themes of natural sciences, ecology, and the environment.
• Plan, design and conduct educational workshops and outdoor education experiences.
• Training in techniques of resource interpretation, such as Certified Interpretive Guide training.

Position/Physical Requirements

Typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, must be able to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends when necessary for operational need. This schedule may vary. Must have ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects with or without reasonable accommodation. Work is subject to inside/outside environmental conditions such as extreme heat/cold; atmospheric conditions, noise, and/or hazardous conditions. Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. Within 12 months of hire date, must have the ability to obtain and maintain: CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification.

Location

This position is located at: Falls Lake State Recreation Area/Yorkshire 12624 Bayleaf Church Road Raleigh, NC 27614

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree with a major in a natural science field from an appropriately accredited institution AND two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education. Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina's natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system; Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state; and Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural and cultural heritage. To explore NC State Parks visit: https://www.ncdcr.gov/things-to-do/state-parks Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits. Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks. Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date. Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. Veteran’s and National Guard Preference Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Contact Information

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Parks & Recreation 121 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 919-707-9360

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we’ll get in touch if there’s a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.