Interpretive Ranger (Education Support Specialist II)

Mason Neck State Park is seeking applicants for the Interpretive Ranger position. The Interpretive Ranger is responsible for providing meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources by staffing visitor contact areas. Duties include performing roving interpretation throughout the park; answering phone and email correspondence; providing area information; and assisting the Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience and other park staff with the daily planning and implementation of interpretive programs and educational outreach including corresponding with park guests, schools, home school organizations and civic groups.

The incumbent will be responsible for scheduling and supervising park interpreter(s) and assisting with general upkeep and staffing of the Visitor Center. Other duties include, but are not limited to maintaining all interpretive resources; creating new programs; working with other local organizations to diversify programming; assisting with volunteer groups; writing blogs; posting photos to Flickr; attending professional development workshops and seminars; and obtaining facilitator certification in curriculum guides.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing (and with large groups of people) in a professional manner.
• Prior animal husbandry experience, including reptiles and amphibians.
• Customer service skills.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Considerations:

• Prior animal husbandry experience, including reptiles and amphibians.
• Prior experience or education in a natural science or history field.
• Currently certified as a facilitator in curriculum guides.
• Experience planning and conducting programs and events.
• Experience marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and events.

Special Requirements:

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1500 hours from May 1 to April 30. Must be able to pass a criminal background check. Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and holidays.

A valid State Driver’s License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

DCR employees are encouraged to visit Virginia State Parks! Check out our employee discounts.

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service), are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:
  • Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
  • Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights.  All reservations require a two-night minimum.  Bunkhouses, camping cabins and yurts are included; one night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.