Park Interpreter

Serves as a summer interpreter at one or two State Parks. Responsible for developing, scheduling and delivering natural and cultural history programs, hikes, recreation activities, etc. Prior related education and experience necessary. Requires working split shift schedules. Basic First Aid & CPR certification required. Weekend and evening work required.

DEFINITION

This is a professional position responsible for interpreting Vermont’s natural and cultural resources to audiences in state parks as an integral component of the mission of the Division of State Parks and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Responsibilities include managing a park nature center, providing nature programs to the public, and creating displays and other exhibits for the nature center and park. Duties are performed under the supervision of a Park Manager with program coordination and supervisory assistance from a Conservation Education Coordinator. This position has a need for significant independence in performing job duties.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Manages a park nature center during the operating season, including purchasing supplies, scheduling and advertising weekly programs through local media and other postings, arranging guest speakers and events, conducting nature programs, including nature walks and hikes, organizing recreational activities, keeping attendance records and completing required reports. Conducts background research for and creates a variety of interpretive displays primarily for the nature center and also for selected areas in the park. Secondary duties may include assisting with trail maintenance and displays, updating trail and program literature and brochures, creating and showing slide presentations and other duties as assigned. Park Interpreters attend a pre-season intensive training program to receive certification or credits toward re-certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide as well as a mid-season professional development event.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of scientific principles in the fields of natural and physical sciences • Knowledge of principles of public speaking, especially in a context of speaking to and working with children • Knowledge of the principles and methods of park interpretation • Skill in communicating in writing and orally to audiences of all ages • Skill in organizing the components of a nature center program for targeted age ranges • Skill in working with other staff, the general public and children • Skill in creating and building attractive interpretive displays • Ability to pass the Certified Interpretive Guide exam • Ability to use field guides such as but not limited to those for plants and animals 01/2020 • Ability to use creativity in planning, designing and building interpretive displays • Ability to deal tactfully with the public and offer excellence in customer service • Ability to keep accurate records of nature program attendance • Ability to follow park administrative policies and procedures • Ability to work independently in performing job duties in a satisfactory manner

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Incumbents must be able to lift heavy items and work outdoors in hot and sunny or cold and rainy conditions, and must dress appropriately for the situation. Safety equipment is supplied when needed.

MINUMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in one of the natural or physical sciences, parks and recreation, environmental education or related fields AND one year of experience as a nature interpreter or an educator in a natural sciences field. OR A minimum of three years of coursework from an accredited college or university concentrating on one of the fields listed above AND two years of experience as a nature interpreter or an educator in a natural sciences field. OR An associate’s degree in a field related to those listed above AND three years of experience as a nature interpreter or an educator in a natural sciences field.

REQUIRED CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS • Basic First Aid • CPR Certification • Valid Driver’s License

How to apply:

Please apply online via link on www.vtstateparks.com/jobs and send resume and cover letter to rebecca.roy@vermont.gov.