State Parks - Kiptopeke State Park - Education Support Specialist I - Open Until Filled

Virginia State Parks; State Center (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking or admission to all state

Employee discounts on camping

Job summary

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring an Education Support Specialist I at Kiptopeke State Park to deliver engaging programs for visitors, interpret the park's natural, historical, and cultural resources, and support educational outreach. The role involves roving engagement across the park, coordinating with schools and groups, and assisting interpreters with events and tours.

Applicants should be curious, comfortable outdoors, and able to work varied hours,

Qualifications

• Ability to research topics to lead programs.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to communicate verbally with a wide range of people, especially children.
• Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must be able to work with others in a team environment and with Park guests.

Responsibilities

• Education Support Specialist are responsible for providing meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests.
• Provide information to visitors about the history of the park and its natural, cultural, and historic resources.
• Take care of park animals, updating interpretive kiosks throughout the park, leading public programs, setting up monthly displays, and providing quality customer service.
• Assist Interpreters with school groups, educational programs, fairs, and park events, and can be trained to lead monthly canoe tours and guided hikes.

Skills

Verbal communication

Outdoor work

Team player

Flexible schedule

Job description

Job openings at DCR

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.

For additional information on these openings, contact [e-mail]. Find positions available throughout Virginia at Virginia Jobs.

Education Support Specialist I

Open Until Filled

State Parks - Kiptopeke State Park

Hourly Rate: $14.00

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 for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities’ flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation touches all Virginians’ lives.

Kiptopeke State Park is accepting applications for the Education Support Specialist I position.

Job Summary

Seeking a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to deliver meaningful educational experiences for park visitors by interpreting the significance of the park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources. This position supports the development and presentation of interpretive programs and educational outreach, including roving engagement throughout the park and communication with guests, schools, scout groups, and homeschool organizations.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Education Support Specialist are responsible for providing meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests.
• Provide information to visitors about the history of the park and its natural, cultural, and historic resources.
• Take care of park animals, updating interpretive kiosks throughout the park, leading public programs, setting up monthly displays, and providing quality customer service.
• Assist Interpreters with school groups, educational programs, fairs, and park events, and can be trained to lead monthly canoe tours and guided hikes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to research additional topics to lead successful programs.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to communicate verbally with a wide range of people, especially children.
• Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must be able to work with others in a team environment and with Park guests.

Additional Considerations

• Possess knowledge of the natural environment.

Special Instructions

• Background Check: DCR is committed to second chance hiring and inclusivity. 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. EEO/AA/TT

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our 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 though 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.