PARKS, HERITAGE, & TOURISM INTERPRETER I

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 64,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing may be provided at some parks

Job summary

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is seeking a Seasonal Interpreter I to help develop and present engaging programs that educate visitors about the state’s natural, cultural, and historic resources.

You will conduct tours, lead educational activities, and provide friendly visitor services across state parks and historic sites. This entry-level role requires strong communication and a willingness to learn Arkansas history and ecology.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in interpretive programming, environmental education, museums, education, or a related field.
• Strong verbal communication and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to conduct tours, school group presentations, and educational activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and presentation of guided tours and educational programs.
• Engage visitors through storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and nature-based activities.
• Support self-guided materials, exhibits, and interpretive signage.
• Conduct school group presentations, nature walks, and historical reenactments.
• Provide excellent customer service by greeting guests and offering recommendations.
• Promote Arkansas’s natural and cultural resources through outreach.
• Educate visitors on conservation and wildlife protection.
• Maintain props and educational materials; track attendance and feedback.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Storytelling

Environmental education

Customer service

Job description

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Date: Sep 28, 2026

Location: Mena, Bismarck, Rogers, Marian, AR, US, 72223, 723

Category: DEPT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Anticipated Starting Salary: $15.33 per hour

Position Number: 22091506

Anticipated Starting Salary: $15.33/Hr

This position is part-time and classified as Extra Help

Multiple Locations Available:

• Lake Degray (Bismarck)
• Hobbs State Park (Rogers)
• Mississippi River State Park (Marianna)
• Village Creek (Wynne)
• Lake Ouachita State Park (Mountain Pine/Hot Springs)
• Cossatot River State Park- Natural Area (Wickes/Mena)

Positions will be filled at various locations around the state (specific locations listed Above). Positions range in duration from 6 to 9 months. Positions begin March, April, or May and last through fall depending on duration. Actual work schedules vary by park and season. All positions are considered extra-help (part-time), but employees can expect a 35-40-hour work week during peak visitation season (peak varies by location). Housing is provided at some parks but is not guaranteed.

Preferred qualifications are at least two years of college education in a degree plan majoring in natural science, outdoor recreation, park interpretation, communications, park administration, history, education, forestry, or a related field; as well as relevant volunteer experience, documented experience in public speaking and writing, coursework in interpretive methods, and a working knowledge of Arkansas natural/cultural history. At parks with lakes and rivers, experience and strong skills in swimming, boating, and kayaking are preferred.

Virtual, online interviews with qualified, selected applicants will be held.

The Seasonal interpreter position will also assists with park operations duties as assigned, to include answering phones, camper registration, retail sales, answering visitor questions, and assisting with housekeeping and maintenance. Specific tasks and interpretive program topics vary by site.

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Position Information

Classification: Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Interpreter I

Class Code: RPA22P

Pay Grade: SGS04

Salary Range: $43,088- $63,770

Job Summary

The Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Interpreter I is responsible for assisting in the development and presentation of engaging programs that educate and inspire visitors about Arkansas’s natural, cultural, and historical resources. This entry-level position supports interpretive initiatives in state parks, historic sites, and other heritage locations by conducting tours, facilitating educational activities, and providing excellent visitor services.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist in the development and presentation of guided tours, educational programs, and special events.Engage visitors through storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and nature-based activities.Support the creation of self-guided materials, exhibits, and interpretive signage.Conduct school group presentations, nature walks, and historical reenactments.Provide exceptional customer service by greeting guests, answering questions, and offering recommendations.Promote Arkansas’s natural and cultural resources through enthusiastic public outreach.Educate visitors on conservation principles, historical preservation, and wildlife protection.Assist in historical research, artifact preservation, and environmental stewardship projects.Support conservation initiatives by encouraging responsible visitor behavior in parks and historic sites.Maintain interpretive props, equipment, and educational materials.Track program attendance, visitor feedback, and outreach efforts.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong verbal communication skills to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.Ability to simplify complex historical, environmental, or scientific topics into accessible content.Comfort speaking to large groups and leading interactive activities.Basic knowledge of interpretive techniques, environmental education, and historical preservation.Ability to assist in the development of age-appropriate, engaging educational programs.Creative thinking to enhance visitor experiences through interactive storytelling and exhibits.Ability to resolve visitor inquiries and concerns professionally.Experience working with diverse groups, including families, school groups, and tourists.Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established interpretive guidelines.Willingness to learn Arkansas history, ecology, and cultural heritage through research.

Minimum Qualifications

At least one year of experience in interpretive programming, environmental education, museums, education, or a related field.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.