Job Listing: Lead Park Interpreter

Sky Meadows State Park - Delaplane, VA

Closes - open until filled

Position Title - Lead Park Interpreter

Salary - $15.50-17.50/hour

Job Type - part-time

Apply - Please visit the website here to apply.

Summary - Learn and grow your knowledge of natural history, farming and cultural history as you connect the park’s visitors to the natural and historic treasures of Sky Meadows State Park. We are a 1,860-acre park with 23 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, a variety of wildlife habitats, back country campground, and historic sites dating back to the 1800s. Through this position you will help visitors create a personal bond with the park, increasing public stewardship.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Stewarding and supervising the park’s interpretive program by researching, developing, conducting formal, informal interpretive and education-based programs, as well as for researching and writing interpretive media such as waysides and brochures.
• Supervises interpretive staff including staff coordination, evaluating staff’s work, training and developing staff and volunteers,
• Conducting interactive and hands-on school field trip programs, nature-based programs, historical house tours, farm and garden-based, and evening programs.
• Providing support for special events and outreach programs during the week and on weekends. 
• Opening, closing, and providing general care for the historic site. 
• Providing general administrative duties, programming scheduling support, and other duties as assigned.  

The Lead Interpreter must be able to communicate with diverse audiences, maintain attendance records, assist in the development of the interpretive annual budget, and maintain historical collections. The Lead Interpreter will train and supervise work of supporting staff and work closely with the park’s Volunteer Coordinator and Chief Ranger Visitor Experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicant must have the ability to plan, organize and conduct educational programs for all ages, work outdoors in all types of weather, stand for long periods, traverse uneven ground, carry, pull and (or) lift up to 40 lbs. unassisted. All applicants must have a desire to learn and ask questions of the park’s history and its’ artifacts, poses strong communication skills, and have a positive attitude. Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing; knowledge of Virginia natural and cultural resources. Must possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Resource Management, Parks and Recreation, History, Geology or similar subjects. Experience in developing school curriculum and supervision of employees/volunteers is desired. Basic knowledge of natural history, cultural history, and/or agricultural education.

Special Requirements:

For all positions, experience is not required, but is preferred. Weekends and holiday work required.  Employees may be required to perform other park related duties during emergencies, or on a non-recurrent basis.

There are no health benefits or paid vacation leave associated with the job. Employees are limited to working no more than 1500 hours in 12 months from May 1 to April 30. Position does not include benefits. Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.  Employer participates in e-Verify.

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.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.