State Parks - Chippokes State Park - Education Support Specialist - Open Until Filled

Virginia State Parks; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Free park admission

Discounted camping

Job summary

Chippokes State Park, part of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is seeking an Education Support Specialist to lead interpretive programs for park guests.

The role focuses on planning and presenting educational activities, facilitating tours (including cave and watercraft), and serving as a primary point of contact for visitors across the park. This position requires strong communication and weekend/holiday availability.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service environments.
• Experience organizing and conducting programs and events for diverse audiences.
• Strong written and spoken communication to respond to emails, calls, and inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, market, and present park programs for guests.
• Develop programs highlighting the park's natural, cultural, and historical resources.
• Lead wild cave tours and canoe/kayak tours for the park.
• Provide front-line customer service and information to visitors.

Skills

Customer service

Program planning

Public speaking

Communication skills

Event scheduling

Job description

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Join Our Team at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation!

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring! Join us in preserving what people care about most – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

Chippokes State Park is accepting applications for an Education Support Specialist position.

Job Summary:

The Education Support Specialist conducts park interpretive and educational programs that provide a quality and safe recreational experience for state park guests.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, markets, and presents programming of the park that enhances, entertains, and educates the park guests to the cultural, historical, and natural resources found at and near the park.
• Provides specific programming for Natural Tunnel, dealing with the unique geology and karst topography found in the area.
• Responsible for developing, initiating, and leading wild cave tours, canoe/kayak tours for the park.
• Provides regularly scheduled programs utilizing self-knowledge and guest speakers in campgrounds and through the park on a variety of topics.
• Acts as a front-line customer service representative for the park site.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience working in a customer service environment.
• Experience organizing and conducting programs and events for all ages.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to be able to respond to emails, phone calls, and interact with the public professionally.
• Requires availability to work weekdays, weekends, nights, and holidays.

Special Instructions:

• Background Check: Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
• Employment Eligibility: Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
• Work Requirements: Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Park or Federal experience are encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).

Explore Virginia State Parks — On Us!

As a DCR employee,you’llenjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia’s State Parks extraordinary — with free admission,special discounts, andperksthat turn every visit into something memorable.

Employee benefits include:

• Free parking and admissionto all Virginia State Parks.
• Overnight stay discountsfor DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
  • Free campingoutside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
  • Free Sunday–Thursday camping(excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day–Labor Day period.
  • 50% ff cabins(up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day–Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two-night minimumrequired. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia’s great outdoors part of your life —it’sone of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR’s mission possible!