TPWD - Park Ranger I (Park Interpreter)

Texas A&M International; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Group insurance

Job summary

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Brownsville seeks an interpretive program specialist for Resaca de la Palma State Park. Under the Park Superintendent, you will conduct demonstrations using artifacts and replicas, lead tours, and run special events.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, a valid driver's license, and an Interpretive Guide Certification within one year; bilingual English/Spanish is preferred, with customer service experience a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Valid State driver's license.
• Interpretative Guide Certification within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and manage resource interpretation programs.
• Conduct demonstrations and tours using artifacts and replicas.
• Plan outreach and educational programs for all ages.
• Assist with visitor registration, reports and revenue collection.
• Promote park activities and assist with events and trainings.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ARCVIEW

GPS device

Job description

Press Control+M to start dragging object

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.

HIRING CONTACT

Samantha Stillman, 956-350-2920, [e-mail]

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Park Superintendent, this position performs routine (journey-level) state park operations work. Responsible for the interpretation and resource management of Resaca de la Palma State Park. Provides demonstrations to the public by using a variety of both natural and cultural items, artifacts and/or replicas and conducts interpretive tours as needed. Responsible for conducting programs, driving a tram for guided tours, guided walks, and special events including but not limited to: exhibits, tours, school programs, special events, training workshops and seminars based on the interpretive purposes of the WBC and its mission. Plans and carries out various assignments of both natural and cultural resource management. Performs routine facility grounds and equipment maintenance on historic structures and equipment. Plans and implements outreach and educational programs for all ages. Conducts site promotion and marketing, volunteer recruitment and training. Prepares reports and assists with visitor registration, license sales and revenue collection. 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 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/Archeology, History or closely related field.

Experience

Experience in customer service.

Experience in park operations.

Experience in interpretation or conducting educational programs.

Experience in natural and cultural resource management.

Bilingual English and Spanish language skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of interpretive techniques and principles.

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 ground maintenance repairs and techniques.

Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

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, chain saws, tractors, vehicles, generators and other mechanical equipment.

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 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.

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

Required to travel 10% with possible overnight stays.

Required to operate a State vehicle.

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

Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

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.

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