Parks Interpretive Specialist ; Deception Pass State Park

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title: Parks Interpretive Specialist 2
Location: Oak Harbor, WA
Closes: June 30th, 2026, by 5 p.m. PST

Under the supervision of the Operations Ranger, this permanent position provides cultural and environmental education to the visiting public, students, and community groups within the Deception Pass Area. It supports the operation of the Deception Pass State Park Area and the Kukutali Preserve, creating opportunities for the public to connect with park resources and fostering stewardship for future generations.

Important Notice: This position is not eligible for telework; physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

• Develops and conducts interpretive opportunities throughout the year in the park and community.
• Coordinate school and tour groups throughout the area.
• Lead Ameri Corps Interpretive Naturalist and Skillbridge interns.
• Recruit and train new interpretive volunteers and interns.
• Evaluate current guided and self‑guided interpretation in the park; improve, update, or suggest changes as needed.
• Ensure that interpretive facilities and structures are safe, clean, and well maintained, including the CCC Interpretive Center, Discovery Center, interpretive displays and signage, amphitheater, and other structures.
• Collect, tabulate, and report annual interpretive statistics for the Deception Pass Area.
• Monitor multiple budget sources for purchasing materials and supplies for interpretive use.

• Option 1:
  Four (4) years’ experience in cultural or natural/earth science or interpretation AND two (2) years’ experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience AND a valid unrestricted driver’s license.
• Option 2: A bachelor’s degree involving major study in interpretation or environmental education or a related field such as earth science, education, Pacific Northwest or American history, or environmental science AND two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience AND a valid unrestricted driver’s license.
• Option 3: A 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 driver’s license.
• Option 4: A combination of related education and experience in the field of cultural or natural/earth science or interpretation that equals up to four (4) years AND two (2) years’ experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience AND a valid unrestricted driver’s license.

• Knowledge of interpretive methods and principles of thematic interpretive design.
• Experience in public presentation and speaking.
• Knowledge of Environmental Science.
• Ability to work and engage with volunteers and partners.
• Ability to perform routine janitorial and minor maintenance duties.
• Knowledge of operating equipment such as AV components and projectors and software such as Adobe InDesign and PowerPoint related to interpretive services.
• Knowledge of state government, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of State Parks rules and regulations.

• Workload Management:
  Effectively handle and organize multiple assignments and competing priorities, making sound decisions to produce accurate and timely work product.
• Mastery of Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Use computers, including all associated hardware and software, to produce timely and accurate work products.
• Fiscal Accountability:
  Demonstrate attention to detail when entering or calculating fiscal data.
• Interpersonal Influence:
  Demonstrate ability to build and maintain strong, courteous relationships with peers, managers, and customers.
• Reliable and Regular Attendance:
  Accept personal responsibility to begin work on time and make the best use of available work time.
• Independent Judgment:
  Work independently while making appropriate decisions…