TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Interpreter)

Texas A&M International; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's McKinney Falls State Park in Austin seeks an interpretive program coordinator to develop and provide educational programs for all ages, focusing on natural and cultural resource stewardship and outdoor skills.

The role involves roving and tabling, guided hikes, school programs, and special events, plus operating the park's information desk, posting events online, assisting with volunteer recruitment, and training new staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Interpretative Guide Certification within 1 year.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a valid State driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and provide interpretive and educational programs for all ages.
• Support visitor services, operate point of sale system and registrations.
• Post events on the park calendar and social media channels.
• Recruit for and supervise the volunteer program; train new staff.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Teamwork

Interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ARCVIEW

Job description

To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Located within Austin city limits, McKinney Falls State Park is where local community members and visitors from around the world come to play outside in Austin's backyard.

Under the direction of the Assistant Park Superintendent, this position performs routine (journey-level) state park operations work.This position is responsible for developing and providing interpretive and educational programs for all ages and interests, with emphasis on natural and cultural resource stewardship and outdoor skills. Conducts programs to include roving and tabling, guided hikes, evening presentations, school programs, special events, virtual programming, and other programs as needed and/or assigned by the Park Superintendent. Support visitor services by operating point of sale system including checking in camping and day use registration and dissemination of information on a variety of topics to park visitors. Will work with the Assistant Park Superintendent to recruit for and supervise the volunteer program. Will be responsible for posting all events on the park's web-based calendar of events and social media channels operated by the park. Assist in maintenance of equipment, building and grounds as needed. Trains new employees on the interpretive topics of the park as needed. Responsible for submitting daily, weekly, and monthly reports as necessary. Predominately works independently to accomplish the goals of the site and must exercise good judgement and self-motivation. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

Experience

No experience required.

Licensure

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid State driver's license.

Must possess or be able to obtain, within one year of employment, an Interpretative Guide Certification issued by the National Association for Interpretation.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required certification.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS

Education

One year of experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs may substitute for 30 hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Park Administration, Recreation & Parks, Wildlife/Fisheries Science, Natural and/or Cultural Resource Conservation, Range Management, Forestry, Biology, Anthropology/Archaeology, History or closely related field.

Experience

Experience in customer service.

Experience in park operations.

One year experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs.

Experience in natural and cultural resource management.

Experience in facility, grounds or equipment maintenance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of interpretive techniques and principles.

Knowledge of methods of interpretation and education.

Knowledge of standard financial and business management principles.

Knowledge of the principles of park administration.

Knowledge to develop, implement, manage, publicize and evaluate related interpretive programs.

Knowledge of both natural and cultural resources.

Knowledge of cultural traditions, historic practices and experiences.

Knowledge to properly maintain artifacts and historic property.

Knowledge of invasive plant species management in relation to plant community and habitat restoration.

Knowledge of native plant communities and natural landscapes.

Knowledge of general facility, equipment and grounds maintenance repairs and techniques.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

Skill in managing a variety of groups.

Skill in facilitating meetings.

Skill in making public presentations,

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in providing quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.

Skill in conducting interpretive activities.

Skill in using hand and power tools, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, tractors, vehicles, generators and other mechanical equipment.

Skill in general maintenance techniques.

Skill in identifying, researching and compiling information.

Skill in preparing reports.

Skill in using ARCVIEW and other mapping software.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.

Ability to plan and conduct natural resource surveys and inventories.

Ability to develop a sound management program for the park's natural and cultural resources.

Ability to effectively and properly demonstrate various historic activities to the public using a variety of artifacts, replicas and related techniques.

Ability to use a GPS unit and interface with computers.

Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

Must conform to TPWD dress and grooming standards, work rules and safety procedures.

Required to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.

May be required to operate a State vehicle.

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must include complete job history information for each period of employment, provided either in the WORK HISTORY SECTION or in the attachedRÉSUMÉ. Please ensure each entry includes:
Job title,
Employer name,
Dates of employment (month/year),
If employment is less than full-time status, indicate part-time in the work history section or résumé, and
Description of duties performed.
NOTE: Volunteer experience may be counted toward required experience.

IMPORTANT: College Transcripts: If education is used to meet the minimum qualifications, a copy of the college transcript(s) issued by the registrar must be provided at the time of interview (unless otherwise noted in the posting).

`N/A` may be entered in fields that are not applicable.

Omission of required information may result in disqualification.

WIT applicants must complete the supplemental questions in the CAPPS Candidate Gateway to be considered.

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers a variety of benefits for employees such as generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension, and frequent training and staff development opportunities. Other benefits include longevity pay, merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program and a Return-to-Work Program.For new employees or rehires, health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

If you choose to claim military employment preference as outlined by the State of Texas, you must attach the required documentation referenced below at the time your application is submitted. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please visit our Military Employment Reference page at https://tpwd.texas.gov/jobs/veterans/ .

Veteran-DD214 showing honorable discharge or Statement of Service (only for transitioning service members who have not reached their date of separation).

Surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried-Marriage Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Orphan of a veteran killed while on active duty-Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300 or appropriate documentation.

Spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on Active Duty-Marriage Certificate and copy of spouses active-duty military orders.

Spouse of a veteran with disability and is the primary income for household-Marriage Certificate, Veterans DD214, and VA Benefits Summary Letter showing disability rating.

Documentation must be attached to the application before military preference can be granted.

*More information on military occupational specialty codes can be found below: