Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 (Olmstead Place Historical State Park)

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Parks Interpretive Specialist 2

Location: Ellensburg, WA

Closes: Continuous. Application review will begin on July 25th, 2024, and every two weeks thereafter. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.

Housing is available.

Want to join a great organization?  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

The Central Cascades Area is home to an incredibly diverse array of natural and cultural resources. Our collaborative staff is looking for an enthusiastic individual who can assist in our mission of conserving these precious resources while educating visitors and community members about the variety of opportunities and experiences our parks have for everyone to enjoy.

Under the direction of the Area Manager, this position provides professional level interpretive services, serves as a senior level curator, and has responsibility for the operational management of Olmstead Place and the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive facilities as well as other interpretive programs for the Central Cascades Park Area which includes Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, Lake Easton State Park, Olmstead Place Historical State Park, Fort Simcoe State Park, Wanapum Recreation Area and Yakima Sportsman State Park.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the day-to-day operation of management of Olmstead Place and the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive facilities and all the interpretive services provided within the Central Cascades Park Area:

• Collects fees and other revenue generating through center activities, ensuring proper transmission of cash receipts and cash deposits.

• Maintains monthly interpretive reports, fiscal records and operational reports required for fiscal compliance and business practice reviews.

• Educates Park visitors on rules and regulations that govern activities within the park and enforced Discover Pass requirements.

• Develops and delivers formal interpretive program presentations that include a variety of venues and programing for park visitors, schools and tour groups such as guided walks and snowshoe hikes, talks, presentation living history programs, and Junior Ranger programs:

• Conducts research and develops thematic interpretive and educational programs.

• Creates, updates and implements interpretive Master Plan for area of responsibility.

• Prepares contracts and grant proposals including cost estimates and scope definitions for interpretive initiatives.

• Provides technical interpretive expertise for internal and external exhibits as well as interpretive media publications, brochures, panels, signage, and other educational materials:

• Under the guidance and direction of the Agency Interpretive Program, confer with architects, display fabricators, contractors and field staff to carry out desired them and specifications; inspect finished products to ensure compliance specifications

• Acts as curator for acquisition, identification, preservation and cataloging of historic artifacts, geologic specimens, interpretive collections, relevant records and library resources for use in interpretive programming and exhibits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation of Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related fields AND Two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience.

OR

• Master's Degree AND one (1) year of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience.

AND

• A valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Experience in historic preservation or in historic or natural science research or interpretation may be substituted year for year for education.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years of professional experience as a Parks Interpretive Assistant or equivalent.

• Experience in public speaking and presentation.

• Experience in the development of youth-oriented (K-12) outdoor education curriculum and lesson plan development.

UNIFORM INFORMATION:

All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform.  A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee.  All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.HOW TO APPLY

To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at www.careers.wa.gov. 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, if not completed in the application process.

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 job announcement may be used to fill other positions of the same classification if vacant in the next 60 days.

This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  For more information: https://wfse.org/.

Diversity Policy Statement:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

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 John Ernster at John.Ernster@parks.wa.gov or (509) 899-9294.

For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8569.