PARK INTERPRETER

State-of-Nevad; Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

This position at Washoe Lake State Park in Carson City involves supervising park operations, delivering visitor services, and coordinating interpretive programs for onsite and regional audiences. You will design brochures, signage, exhibits and online materials while leading volunteers and seasonal staff.

Responsibilities include community outreach to schools, event planning, and developing living history activities. Some statewide travel and evenings/weekends work are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in park management, outdoor recreation or related field and one year of interpretive/educational experience.
• Develop and present interpretive programs for visitors and schools.
• Ability to recruit, train and supervise volunteers and seasonal staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement interpretive programs on and offsite.
• Plan and deliver tours, living history, talks and exhibits.
• Coordinate outreach and educational programs with schools and groups.

Skills

Public speaking

Event planning

Volunteer management

Visitor services

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in park management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

This position is located at Washoe Lake State Park located in Carson City. Candidates work under the direct supervision of the Park Supervisor in all aspects of park operations including visitor services, interpretation, custodial services, building and grounds maintenance, fee collection, gift store operations, museum operations and volunteer management. This position is responsible for developing and implementing interpretive programs onsite and off‑site, as well as interpretive programming assistance in surrounding Western Region Parks. This position is responsible for community outreach and educational programs to local schools and community groups, designing and creating brochures, interpretive signage, exhibits, audiovisual programs, and online media presence. This position recruits, trains and supervises park volunteers and subordinate seasonal staff and is responsible for submitting weekly deposits, monthly reports, scheduling group and tour reservations. The position requires the use of general office equipment, and light maintenance equipment. Basic skills in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel are required. Park Interpreters work variable hours and shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays and must be available to work special events and respond to callouts or emergencies. Some statewide travel may be required. Park Housing is not available at this location.

Park Interpreters plan, organize, provide, and supervise a variety of interpretive facilities, services and activities and assist in the operation and maintenance of an assigned State park.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major or minor in park management, outdoor recreation management, history/folklore, education, ecology, forestry, biology, agriculture, natural or environmental sciences, horticulture, wildlife management, museum management, business or public administration or related field and one year of professional park experience which included developing, managing and presenting interpretive and/or educational activities; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.Develop park interpretive programs to enhance the park experience for visitors; plan and provide recurring and special events and activities including tours, hikes, informational presentations and living history; operate and manage a small park, visitor center, museum or related facilities.

Prepare and present interpretive and informational materials related to the natural sciences, history, the State park system, the State, and unique features of the park; research information and write original materials; catalog artifacts and documents; give talks and show videos and other audiovisual presentations; guide tours and nature walks.

Coordinate and oversee the park's interpretive program; supervise permanent and/or seasonal staff as assigned; recruit, train and supervise volunteers; manage allotted resources and sales outlets; recruit guest speakers and publicize special events; maintain financial and statistical records related to fees collected, expenditures and visitors; seek external funding sources for program activities as appropriate.

Participate in maintaining park areas; supervise and perform custodial and maintenance assignments for buildings and grounds; maintain assigned tools and equipment.

Provide information and directions to assist park visitors; respond to verbal and written inquiries; make reservations and collect fees; administer emergency medical assistance and ensure compliance with established park regulations and policies.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Working knowledge of:

financial and statistical recordkeeping; safety principles and practices; interpretive planning and programming concepts and methods;state and natural history, flora, fauna, geography, and geology; ecological concepts.

General knowledge of:

policies related to fee collections, volunteers, and interpretive programs; basic personnel practices and principles used in supervision; basic inventory, curating and cataloging techniques; grounds and facility maintenance methods, materials, and procedures.

Ability to:

manage and preserve the park's natural and cultural resources; plan, develop and prepare interpretive materials; plan, organize and direct available resources to effectively manage assigned interpretive programs and facilities; critique programs and events; design displays and exhibits; perform and supervise custodial and general facility maintenance functions; make oral and visual presentations to groups to provide information about State parks; organize, schedule and coordinate interpretive activities and events; operate a visitor center, museum and related park facilities.