State Parks - Wilderness Road State Park - Interpretive Assistant

State Parks - Wilderness Road State Park

Join Our Team at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation!

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hiring! Join us in preserving what people care about most – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water, and safe infrastructure.

Wilderness Road State Park is accepting applications for Interpretive Assistant positions.

Job Summary:

Interpreter Assistants provide meaningful interpretive and educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources.

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists with the development, planning, and implementation of historical interpretive programs and activities about 18th-century frontier culture, including third-person interpretation, historic-themed hikes, 18th-century skills demonstrations to include blacksmithing and woodworking, children’s programs, self-guided activities, and lessons/workshops on other historical topics.
• Interpreters are also responsible for maintaining interpretive accouterments and displays.
• Other duties include assisting park visitors using professional customer service techniques and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to organize and conduct historical and cultural programs for the public.
• Strong and effective communication skills are essential.
• Capable of working both independently and harmoniously as part of a team.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors.
• Must be at least 17 years old
• A valid driver's license is required
• Must be willing to work evening shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Considerations:

• Foundational knowledge of Virginia history, prior experience or education in American history, parks and recreation, or cultural studies preferred.
• Familiarity with 18th century historic weaponry, including flintlock and artillery, is helpful.

Special Requirements:

Experience is not required but is preferred. We provide on-the-job training. Employees may be required to perform other park-related duties during emergencies or on a non-recurrent basis.

• Background Check:
  Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
• Employment Eligibility:
  Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
• Work Requirements:
  Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for Commonwealth of Virginia benefits (health care, paid leave, etc.) and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

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

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 before 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.