Park Interpreter

County of Santa Clara; California; In loco; USD 55.000 - 85.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

County of Santa Clara's Parks and Recreation Department seeks an Interpretive Program Specialist to plan, develop, coordinate and implement interpretive programs, events, facilities and related services for the public. The role involves creating curricula, exhibits and signage, and presenting programs to diverse audiences.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent educational background, experience with public presentations, and strong communication skills.

Competenze

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in interpretive studies, environmental studies, natural sciences, park management, history, communication, performing arts or education is desirable.
• 60 semester units or 90 quarter units plus 2 years experience in educational, recreational, historical or cultural public information.
• Possession of a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross before probationary completion.

Mansioni

• Plan, prepare, market, and present public interpretive programs to diverse audiences.
• Develop interpretive curricula and media including exhibits, signage, printed materials, and website content.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and lead volunteers/docents and work with them to support interpretive programs.
• Operate and coordinate interpretive centers and facilities; may collect and account for fees.
• Assist in training park staff related to interpretive programs and act as Department representative at events and community committees.
• Perform minor custodial duties of interpretive centers, assemble and tear down exhibit booths; may be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker.

Formazione

Bachelor's Degree in Interpretive Studies or related field

Sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units plus 2 years experience in educational/public information

Standard First Aid and CPR certificate (American Red Cross)

Strumenti

Desktop publishing software

Graphic design software

Word processing / office suite

Email and internet proficiency

Descrizione del lavoro

Under general direction to assist with the planning, development, coordination and implementation of interpretive programs, events, facilities and services for the Parks and Recreation Department.

• Plans, prepares, markets and presents public interpretive programs to a variety of audiences;
• Develops and prepares interpretive program curriculum and various media including exhibits, signage, printed media and website content;
• Assists with recruiting, training, evaluating, and leading volunteers and/or docents and works along with volunteers/docents assigned to help with interpretive programs and facilities;
• Assists in the operation and coordination of interpretive centers and facilities;
• May collect and account for fees;
• Trains other park staff as related to interpretive program;
• Acts as Parks Department representative at public events, festivals, and fairs;
• May act as a Parks representative at community-based committees, partnerships and projects related to Interpretation, Recreation and Environmental Education;
• Performs minor custodial duties related to the maintenance of interpretive center, facilities and exhibits;
• Assemble and tear down interpretive exhibit booths at events;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Sufficient education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note:

The following knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

OR

Completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience conducting research and preparing presentations with an organization that provides educational, recreational, historical or cultural related information to the public.

Possession of a Bachelor's degree or significant coursework in Interpretive Studies, Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Park Management, History, Communication, Performing Arts or Education is desirable.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License upon appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Drivers' Permit.

Certificates

Possession of a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period.

Knowledge of:

• Planning and design of interpretive exhibits and displays;
• Organizational development, including project planning and coordination;
• Project development and evaluation particularly as it applies to an interpretive program;
• Principles of public speaking and presentation;
• Research methods;
• Computer applications such as word processing, email and internet.

Ability to:

• Learn principles of park interpretation and research methods;
• Plan, prepare, organize, present and evaluate interpretive program curriculum for a parks and recreation department or agency;
• Read and interpret information regarding the natural and cultural history of California (especially the southern San Francisco bay region);
• Care for and maintain live specimens, taxidermy specimens and exhibits;
• Train, motivate and use volunteer and docent personnel to meet service needs;
• Read, interpret, and understand the laws, ordinances and regulations relevant to perform the functions described above.
• Operate a computer, standard and specialized software programs; such as desktop publishing and graphic design software for printed materials, presentations and exhibits;
• Operate various audio visual equipment used in exhibits and for presentations;
• Deal effectively and develop and maintain cooperative relationships with volunteers, employees, management, the public and representatives of other groups and organizations;
• Speak and write effectively and clearly.

Special Requirements

• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and/or other irregular hours;
• Conform to Departmental uniform standards for Park Interpreters;
• Occasionally lift, carry, push and pull supplies weighing up to sixty (60) pounds;
• Stand, walk or sit for extended periods of time;
• Stoop, bend, reach, grasp and manipulate small objects with hands.