State Parks - James River State Park - Interpretive Assistant - Open Until Filled

Virginia State Parks; Virginia, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia State Parks seeks an Interpretive Assistant at James River State Park to support interpretive programs highlighting natural, historical, and cultural resources. You will plan and conduct daily programs, coordinate outreach with schools and civic groups, and assist with scheduling and special events. Training will be provided.

This role emphasizes customer service, exhibit care, and accurate record keeping, with occasional weekend, evening, and holiday work.

Qualifications

• Ability to organize and conduct nature, culture, and history programs for all ages.
• Effective verbal and written communication to interact with people of all ages.
• Knowledge of Virginia history.
• Understanding of ecology and region’s flora and fauna.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods, including rugged terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver interpretive programs and educational outreach.
• Care for exhibit animals and maintain displays and educational materials.
• Correspond with the public, schools, and groups.
• Assist park guests with excellent customer service and keep records for sales, visitation, and programs.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Skills

Program facilitation

Verbal/written comm

Virginia history

Ecology knowledge

Outdoor endurance

Lifting 50 lb

Customer service

Job description

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.

James River State Park is accepting applications for an Interpretive Assistant position.

Job Summary

The Interpretive Assistant supports the Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience in delivering educational and interpretive programs that highlight the park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources. This role plans and conducts daily programs, coordinates outreach with schools, civic groups, and the public, and assists with scheduling and special event planning.Training will be provided.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the development, coordination, and facilitation of interpretive programs and educational outreach.
• Manage the daily care and health of exhibit animals and upkeep of interpretive and historic displays and educational material.
• Correspondwith the general public, public and private schools, scout groups, local organizations, etc.
• Assistpark guests while providing excellent customer serviceand keepaccurate records for sales, visitation, and programs.
• Available to frequently work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to organize and conduct nature, culture, and history programs for all ages.
• Effective verbal and writtencommunication skills to interactwith people of all ages.
• Knowledge of Virginia history.
• Understanding of ecology and familiarity with the region’s flora and fauna.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods, including hiking on uneven, steep, or rugged terrain while conducting interpretive programs and guided hikes.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, precipitation, and insects.

Additional Considerations

• Familiarity with personal watercraft use or other outdoor recreational skills.

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.

DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experiencewiththeNational ParkServiceorthe federalgovernment. 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% off 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!