Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 (Blue Mountain Area) 00938

Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 (Blue Mountain Area) 00938

Salary
$3,203.00 – $4,191.00 Monthly
Location
Franklin County – Pasco, WA
Job Type
Seasonal
Department
Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Number
2018-00938
Closing
2/19/2018 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
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Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENCY PROFILE                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                        
State Parks is governed by a board of seven volunteer citizens appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve staggered six-year terms, setting public policy and guiding the agency. The Washington state park system includes more than 100 developed parks, recreation programs, trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Our Mission 
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington’s most treasured lands, waters and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives. 

Our Vision
Washington’s state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate and proudly support.

Washington State Parks employs more than 500 permanent staff and more than 350 seasonal and temporary staff throughout the state. The headquarters office is located in Tumwater, and region offices are located in Burlington, East Wenatchee and Tumwater.

___________________________
This recruitment will be used to fill one career seasonal, full-time, Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 position for the Blue Mountain Area.  The duty station for this position is Sacajawea Historical State Park.

The dates for this seasonal position are from March 1st – October 31st.

For more information on Washington State Parks please click here!

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager listed in the “Supplemental Information” section of this publication.

Duties
Under the supervision of the Area Manager, this position leads the interpretive program for Sacajawea Historical State Park and Palouse Falls State Park.  This position will assist and contribute to other interpretive opportunities throughout the Blue Mountain Area, with emphasis on the Environmental Learning Centers and campgrounds.  The Blue Mountain Area parks include Sacajawea Historical State Park, Palouse Falls State Park, Lyons Ferry State Park, Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, Fields Spring State Park, Steptoe Butte Historical State Park, Steptoe Battlefield State Park Heritage Site, Iron Horse (east) State Park Trail, Columbia Plateau State Park Trail and Camp Wooten State Park Property.

The purpose of this position is to research, develop, deliver and maintain relevant, guided and self-guided interpretive opportunities that connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences.

Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Research, develop, and implement interpretive programs, projects, and partnerships to ensure compatibility with the agency’s interpretive program.
  • Recruit, schedule, and evaluate group tours and activities at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center and Palouse Falls State Park.
  • Facilitate group tours and activities.
  • Conduct educational outreach programs and activities as appropriate.
  • Serve as a professional customer service provider.
  • Responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of the Sacajawea Interpretive Center facility.
  • Conduct routine face-to-face contacts with visitors, while providing a range of customer service needs including orientation to park and Area resources and facilities, interpretive opportunities and other recreation and outdoor learning amenities.
  • Collect appropriate fees/donations and process according to agency and Area guidelines.
  • Identify and develop education-oriented partnership opportunities with school districts and other organizations.
  • Supervise lower level staff and volunteers.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree involving major study in interpretation, environmental education or a related field such as education, environmental science, Pacific Northwest or American history, or communication.
  • Two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience.
  • A valid driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • One (1) year of professional experience as a Parks Interpretive Assistant or equivalent.
  • Experience in public speaking and conducting presentations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of related American and Pacific Northwest history.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of regional wildlife and geology.
  • Ability to perform routine and minor maintenance of interpretive facilities, including trails, kiosks and exhibits.
  • Ability to supervise volunteer staff.
  • Knowledge of state government, rules, and regulations.
  • Knowledge of State Parks policies, rules and regulations.
Supplemental Information
 HOW TO APPLY

To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Use reference number 00938 when searching for the job announcement. You must attach or embed in your application the following:

  • Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
  • Current resume.
  • Three professional references.

**All requested materials must be submitted. Incomplete or late application materials will not be accepted. Failure to follow application process may disqualify you from further consideration.**

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the application questions. Answers will be verified and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

NOTE:  Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

This position is covered by a union shop provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and pay dues or as a non-member pay agency shop fee, non-association fee or a representation fee.  The union shop provision shall be effective no later than the 30th day following the effective date of the appointment.

For more information: http://www.hr.wa.gov/recruitment/JobSeekerServices/Pages/UnionInformation.aspx

Diversity Policy Statement

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment – one that embraces the full spectrum of all community members’ contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:

  • Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability;
  • Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences;
  • Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society;
  • Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a state park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future; and
  • Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.

The Commission encourages and supports staff efforts to reach out to people of all races, national origins, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, veteran status, ages, and genders who use the parks and who live in communities nearby parks. This outreach is to focus on engaging in partnerships that expand programs and services in a way that is meaningful and of value to all people. The Commission is dedicated to offering quality experiences to all visitors through a workforce and volunteer corps that reflects the diversity of Washington State.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement  in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For information about this position, please contact Audra Sims at Audra.Sims@parks.wa.gov or (509) 337-6457.

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:

HOLIDAY
DATE
New Year’s Day
January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday
Third Monday in January
Presidents’ Day
Third Monday in February
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
Independence Day
July 4
Labor Day
First Monday in September
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day
December 25
Personal Holiday
Employee’s selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

 
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
01
Do you have a Bachelor’s degree involving major study in interpretation, environmental education or a related field such as education, environmental science, pacific northwest or American history, or communication?

  • Yes
  • No
02
In regards to question #1, please indicate what area of study your degree is in. If this does not apply, enter “N/A”.
03
Do you have at least two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience?

  • Yes
  • No
04
In regards to question #3, please indicate when and where you gained the experience. If this does not apply, enter “N/A”.
05
Do you have a valid driver’s license?

  • Yes
  • No
06
How many years of experience do you have working as a Washington State Parks Interpretive Assistant or equivalent?

  • I have 1 – 12 months of this experience.
  • I have 13 -24 months of this experience.
  • I have 24 – 35 months of this experience.
  • I have 36 months or more of this experience.
  • I have none of this experience.
07
Which best describes your level of experience in public speaking and conducting presentations?

  • I have 1 – 12 months of this experience.
  • I have 13 – 24 months of this experience.
  • I have 24 – 35 months of this experience.
  • I have 36 months or more of this experience.
  • I have none of this experience.
08
Do you have knowledge of state government, rules and regulations?

  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have knowledge of State Parks’ policies, rules and regulations?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.

Phone
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