Seasonal Visitor Services Supervisor - Castle Island Boston Region Summer 2025

Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking a Visitor Services Supervisor at Castle Island, Boston. This role involves overseeing programming, historical interpretation, and visitor services, especially during the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in park administration.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in interpretive, educational or recreational programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily interpretive services programs and community events.
• Conduct research and develop program outlines.
• Engage with audiences and submit reports.

Skills

Communication

Interpretation

Programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in park and/or recreation management

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Position Information:
Position Title: Visitor Services Supervisor
Location: Castle Island
Start date: 03/30/2025
End date: 10/25/2025
Number of Positions: 1

Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position. Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

Visitor Services Supervisor – Castle Island

Description

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Visitor Services Supervisor at Castle Island in Boston. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide programming, historical interpretation, education, and visitor services to the public.

Castle Island and Fort Independence are maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Located in South Boston, Castle Island has been the location of 8 different fort’s dating back to 1634. As a major part of the harbor defense network of Boston, Fort Independence has participated in every American conflict from the American Revolution through World War II. Beginning in 1898, Castle Island has transitioned to a public park and is now one of the most popular spots in the metropolitan Boston area.

In 2025 and 2026, the Commonwealth will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The Visitor Services Supervisor will be responsible for sharing the history of the American Revolution and its connection to Castle Island through tours, informal interpretation, and related public engagement opportunities during the summer and fall seasons of 2025. The Visitor Services Supervisor will also support partnership programs and events with the park's Friends group, local non-profits, and designated agencies.

DUTIES:

Under the general direction of the supervisor, manages the day-to-day interpretive services programs which include:

• Responsible for the daily supervision of programs and tours, informal interpretation, roving, assisting with community events, and performing other assigned duties.
• Coordinate with community groups, partners, and Castle Island Association to facilitate and promote special events that support DCR’s mission and the park's resource management and interpretive goals.
• Conduct research, develop, and present program outlines and narratives in compliance with bureau protocols.
• Promote and publicize the interpretive, recreational, and environmental education programs at Castle Island and other DCR properties through agency-approved formats and forums.
• Engage with audiences of all ages, including preschool children, families, adults, seniors, school groups, and individuals with disabilities.
• Submit park-wide reports and interpretive program reports as required (weekly, monthly, or end-of-season basis).
• Prepares correspondence and reports, maintains a reference library; and develops and maintains records and files.
• Work as part of a team with operations staff and rangers.
• Assist with park operations as needed (clean bathrooms, sell passes, answer phones, tidy exhibits and displays, pick up litter, and other duties as assigned)
• Foster strong working relationships with colleagues, legislative officials, and key partners.
• Attend community and partner meetings with Supervisor as requested.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of park administration, interpretation, and recreational programming.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for designing and developing non-personal interpretive materials.
• Knowledge of flora, fauna, geology and natural and cultural history of Massachusetts.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to communicate effectively with audiences of all ages, including preschool children, families, adults, seniors, school groups, and individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to use the computer and operate related audiovisual equipment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Special Requirements:

• Capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions and for extended periods. Comfortable speaking to large groups of people and leading park tours and hikes of up to three miles. Able to climb stairs and lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Possession of a current and valid Class D motor vehicle operator’s license and have access to a vehicle.
• Availability to work, overtime, weekends, holidays, and evening shifts to fulfill the needs of park visitors and programs.

Preferred requirements:

• Experience working in a high-profile and heavily visited site.
• Familiarity with coordinating large-scale events with many logistics.
• Experience working with legislative and government officials.
• Expertise in American History, particularly in early American history and the American Revolution period.
• National Association of Interpretation certifications:
• Certified Interpretive Host (CIH)
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG)
• Certified Heritage Interpreter (CHI)
• National Park Service interpretive training programs
• First Aid, CPR

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience, administering, supervising or conducting interpretive, educational or recreational programs in a public, non-profit or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in park and/or recreation management, natural sciences, environmental education, history, park interpretation or museum management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience, administering, supervising or conducting interpretive, educational or recreational programs in a public, non-profit or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in park and/or recreation management, natural sciences, environmental education, history, park interpretation or museum management may be substituted for the required (A) experience. Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.