State Parks - Grayson Highlands State Park - Interpretive Ranger - Open Until Filled

Virginia State Parks; State Center (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Vacation, personal and sick leave

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Deferred compensation with employer 6%

Job summary

Virginia State Parks in Grayson Highlands State Park seeks an Interpretive Assistant to develop, coordinate and deliver interpretive programs and educational outreach. Programs will include guided hikes, campfires, children's programs, wildlife programs and other environmental education activities.

When not conducting programs, you will maintain exhibits, assist visitors, and help with attendance records. This is a year‑round, outdoor role; you must be able to work outdoors in all weather, stand

Qualifications

• Ability to organize and conduct nature, culture, and history programs for all ages.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to interact with the public and provide informative and engaging talks.
• Experience in public speaking is a plus.
• Must be friendly, outgoing, and able to work unsupervised and/or with a team.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.
• Must be willing to work shift work. Weekends and holidays are required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate interpretive programs and educational outreach.
• Manage upkeep of interpretive and historic displays and educational material; accurate record keeping for programs and attendance.
• Assist Park guests while providing excellent customer service and keep accurate records for visitation and programs.
• Will work outdoors in all types of weather, stand for long periods, traverse uneven ground, and carry, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds unassisted.
• May be required to perform park-related duties as needed during emergencies, as well as other duties as assigned.

Skills

Program planning

Public speaking

Customer service

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

DCR is looking for talented people to fill positions listed below. Unless stated otherwise, you must complete and submit an electronic state application by the job announcement's close date.

Generally applications must be made through the RMS (electronic state application). We will, however, accept paper applications (Word) for some state park slots. Be sure to refer to the individual recruitment for specific requirements.

Full-time (salaried) employment offers

• A choice of healthcare plans.
• Vacation, family, personal and sick leave.
• A retirement plan.
• A sickness and disability plan.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Deferred compensation with employer match.

Certain positions require a criminal background check, a conflict of interest financial statement or both. Law-enforcement positions require a fingerprint-based FBI investigation. DCR is an EEO/AA/ADA Employer.

For seasonal and hourly-wage positions at state parks, contact the particular park for details.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, all new hires must complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Executive branch agencies are required to use the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Hourly Rate: $15.00

Interpretive Assistant

This position involves developing, planning, marketing and implementing interpretive programs and activities that focus on the natural and cultural resources at Grayson Highlands State Park. Programs will include guided hikes, campfires, children's programs, wildlife programs, and other environmental education programs. When not conducting programs, candidate will assist with maintaining and upkeep of all interpretive exhibits, equipment and kiosks. Responsible for completing the Annual Interpretive Report. Candidate may be required to perform park related duties as needed during emergencies, as well as other duties as assigned. Housing is not included.

This is a year round position with the majority of hours focused from April to October; limited hours November to March.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate interpretive programs and educational outreach.
• Manage upkeep of interpretive and historic displays and educational material; accurate record keeping for programs and attendance.
• Assist Park guests while providing excellent customer service and keep accurate records for visitation and programs.
• Will work outdoors in all types of weather, stand for long periods, traverse uneven ground, and carry, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds unassisted.
• May be required to perform park-related duties as needed during emergencies, as well as other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to organize and conduct nature, culture, and history programs for all ages.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to interact with the public and provide informative and engaging talks.
• Experience in public speaking is a plus.
• Must be friendly, outgoing, and able to work unsupervised and/or with a team.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.
• Must be willing to work shift work. Weekends and holidays are required.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a park or similar setting.
• Experience with biology, history, parks and recreation, or wildlife studies.
• Ability to compose, organize, and conduct nature, culture, and history programs and events for all ages.
• Experience with natural or historical interpretation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to be able to respond to emails, phone calls, and interact with the public professionally.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Knowledge and ability to identify common flora and fauna of the park and surrounding area.

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 experience with the National Park Service are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Employee Discounts

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts, such as:
• Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
• Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night before a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
• Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.