PARK INTERPRETER

Park Interpreter

Position #: 22154900

Salary: $32,405

Pay Grade: GS05

Requisition: 49250

Location: Mississippi State Park Marianna, AR

Closing date: 05/26/2025

The Park Interpreter is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and presenting outdoor recreation-focused interpretive programs and special events for park visitors, civic groups, schools, and other organizations, to include guided trail walks, kayak tours, nature demonstrations, history talks, and outdoor skills workshops. Programming focuses on facilitating engaging experiences and guiding park guests toward a personal sense of place regarding the natural, historical, and cultural resources of Mississippi River State Park and the surrounding area.

Duties include researching and recording data regarding programs, flora and fauna of the park; organizing and preparing publicity efforts; drafting reports; writing copy for brochures and exhibits; crafting structured presentations that create memorable guest experiences; collaborating with US Forest Service and other partners; and leading projects for conservation of natural and cultural resources. Also, assisting with strategic planning, trail maintenance, and performing park operations duties as necessary. Applicant may serve as park manager on duty in the absence of other personnel and assist the Superintendent as directed, including participating in emergency response situations such as medical, weather, and search-and-rescue incidents.

Applicant must have or be able to complete the AGFC Boater Education Course, the American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid course and ARC CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Applicant must have a high comfort level with being on the water, strong swimming skills, and the ability to operate watercraft. Applicant must have knowledge of Arkansas flora, fauna, and outdoor recreation safety standards and ethics. Applicant must have technical and communication skills sufficient to plan and coordinate safe, organized, engaging programs and special events.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to traverse rough terrain on foot, and work a varied shift, including weekends and holidays in widely varying weather conditions outdoors. A criminal background check and a driver’s record check are required.

This position offers a full benefit package including paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement pension. Housing and utilities are provided.

Minimum qualifications The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree in natural science, history, communications, parks and recreation management, or a related field. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.

EOE/AA/ADA Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applications accepted online only:

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Position Information

Class Code: P035C

Grade: GS05

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $32,405.00 - $51,686.00

Summary

The Park Interpreter is responsible for the research, development and presentation of programs designed to explain and establish the value of the natural, cultural, and historic resources within the park sites and for promoting the use of Arkansas State Parks. This position are governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Researches historical, geological, and/or biological data and plans type and content of interpretive programs to meet the needs and learning styles of various groups to illustrate and explain park resources and their values. Researches, locates, identifies, catalogues, documents, and conserves artifacts. Researches, locates, identifies, and catalogues plants and animals located within the park and documents them in the park's Natural Resource Inventory. Researches and designs interior and wayside exhibits, multi-media presentations, brochures, pamphlets, maps, and other materials to provide information and interpretation. Presents programs, demonstrations, and lectures to various groups inside and outside the park. Develops and presents special programs that pertain to the mission and scope of the park. Reviews films, slides, collected information, and specimens. Writes narratives, scripts, outlines, descriptions, and explanations of exhibits, history, geology, archaeology, or ecology to illustrate and explain the nature of the park. Promotes the park and park programs through news releases and media coverage. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Arkansas' natural, cultural, and historic resources. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of multi-media equipment. Knowledge of the principles of advertising and media communications. Knowledge of the principles of scientific research and the techniques of data collection and analysis. Knowledge of environmental and safety laws and regulations pertaining to parks and recreation. Ability to research, script, and design exhibits and displays. Ability to prepare and present interpretive and illustrative oral and written programs. Ability to greet visitors and provide information concerning the state. Ability to maintain records and write reports.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree in natural science, communications, parks and recreation management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.