Park Interpreter

This posting covers Santa Clara County. The location shown is the county; the work may be anywhere in it.

Description

Under general direction to assist with the planning, development, coordination and implementation of interpretive programs, events, facilities and services for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Typical Tasks

• Plans, prepares, markets and presents public interpretive programs to a variety of audiences;
• Develops and prepares interpretive program curriculum and various media including exhibits, signage, printed media and website content;
• Assists with recruiting, training, evaluating, and leading volunteers and/or docents and works along with volunteers/docents assigned to help with interpretive programs and facilities;
• Assists in the operation and coordination of  interpretive centers and facilities;
• May collect and account for fees;
• Trains other park staff as related to interpretive program;
• Acts as Parks Department representative at public events, festivals, and fairs;
• May act as a Parks representative at community-based committees, partnerships and projects related to Interpretation, Recreation and Environmental Education;
• Performs minor custodial duties related to the maintenance of interpretive center, facilities and exhibits;
• Assemble and tear down interpretive exhibit booths at events;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities:
 
Training and Experience Note:  The following knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
OR Completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience conducting research and preparing presentations with an organization that provides educational, recreational, historical or cultural related information to the public.

Possession of a Bachelor's degree or significant coursework in Interpretive Studies, Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Park Management, History, Communication, Performing Arts or Education is desirable.
 
Possession of a valid California Driver's License upon appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Drivers' Permit.
 
Certificates
Possession of a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period.
 
Knowledge of:

• Planning and design of interpretive exhibits and displays;
• Organizational development, including project planning and coordination;
• Project development and evaluation particularly as it applies to an interpretive program;
• Principles of public speaking and presentation;
• Research methods;
• Computer applications such as word processing, email and internet.

• Learn principles of park interpretation and research methods;
• Plan, prepare, organize, present and evaluate interpretive program curriculum for a parks and recreation department or agency;
• Read and interpret information regarding the natural and cultural history of California (especially the southern San Francisco bay region);
• Care for and maintain live specimens, taxidermy specimens and exhibits;
• Train, motivate and use volunteer and docent personnel to meet service needs;
• Read, interpret, and understand the laws, ordinances and regulations relevant to perform the functions described above.
• Operate a computer, standard and specialized software programs; such as desktop publishing and graphic design software for printed materials, presentations and exhibits;
• Operate various audio visual equipment used in exhibits and for presentations;
• Deal effectively and develop and maintain cooperative relationships with volunteers, employees, management, the public and representatives of other groups and organizations;
• Speak and write effectively and clearly.

• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and/or other irregular hours;
• Conform to Departmental uniform standards for Park Interpreters;
• Occasionally lift, carry, push and pull supplies weighing up to sixty (60) pounds;
• Stand, walk or sit for extended periods of time;
• Stoop, bend, reach, grasp and manipulate small objects with hands.

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for County of Santa Clara is Philip Downs.