Park Interpreter - Panaca

Job Summary

This position is located at Cathedral Gorge State Park in Panaca and works out of the Eastern Regional Visitor Center. Candidates work under the direct supervision of the Park Supervisor in all aspects of park operations, including visitor services, interpretation, custodial services, building and grounds maintenance, fee collection, gift store operations, museum operations, and volunteer management. The role is responsible for developing and implementing interpretive programs onsite and off‑site, assisting with interpretive programming in surrounding Eastern Region Parks, recruiting, training and supervising park volunteers and seasonal staff, submitting weekly deposits, monthly reports, scheduling group and tour reservations, and performing general office and light maintenance equipment tasks.

Park Interpreters work variable hours and shifts—including evenings, weekends, and holidays—and must be available for special events, callouts, emergencies, and occasional statewide travel. Park housing is not available at this location.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major or minor in park management, outdoor recreation management, history/folklore, education, ecology, forestry, biology, agriculture, natural or environmental sciences, horticulture, wildlife management, museum management, business, public administration, or a related field, plus one year of professional park experience that includes developing, managing, and presenting interpretive and/or educational activities.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

• Develop park interpretive programs to enhance the visitor experience; plan and provide recurring and special events and activities including tours, hikes, informational presentations, and living history; operate and manage a small park, visitor center, museum, or related facilities.
• Prepare and present interpretive and informational materials related to the natural sciences, history, the State park system, the State, and unique features of the park; research information and write original materials; catalog artifacts and documents; give talks and show videos and other audiovisual presentations; guide tours and nature walks.
• Coordinate and oversee the park’s interpretive program; supervise permanent and/or seasonal staff as assigned; recruit, train and supervise volunteers; manage resources and sales outlets; recruit guest speakers; publicize special events; maintain financial and statistical records related to fees collected, expenditures, and visitors; seek external funding sources for program activities as appropriate.
• Participate in maintaining park areas; supervise and perform custodial and maintenance assignments for buildings and grounds; maintain assigned tools and equipment.
• Provide information and directions to assist park visitors; respond to verbal and written inquiries; make reservations and collect fees; administer emergency medical assistance and ensure compliance with established park regulations and policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Financial and statistical record‑keeping; safety principles and practices; interpretive planning and programming concepts and methods; state and natural history, flora, fauna, geography, and geology; ecological concepts.

• Policies related to fee collections, volunteers, and interpretive programs; basic personnel practices and principles used in supervision; basic inventory, curating and cataloging techniques; grounds and facility maintenance methods, materials, and procedures.

• Manage and preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources.
• Plan, develop and prepare interpretive materials.
• Plan, organize and direct available resources to effectively manage assigned interpretive programs and facilities.
• Critique programs and events.
• Design displays and exhibits.
• Perform and supervise custodial and general facility maintenance functions.
• Make oral and visual presentations to groups to provide information about State parks.
• Organize, schedule, and…