Parks Interpretive Specialist ; Deception Pass State Park

Parks Interpretive Specialist 2

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Location:

Oak Harbor, WA

Closes:
June 30th, 2026, by 5 p.m. PST

Position Status:
This is a permanent position.

Please Note:

Park housing is unavailable for this position.

About this position:

Under the supervision of the Operations Ranger, this position provides cultural and environmental education to the visiting public, students, and community groups. It supports the operation of the Deception Pass Area. It creates opportunities for the public to make meaningful connections with park resources, and create a sense of stewardship and continued support, to provide future generations with the same opportunities to enjoy the rich legacy of Washington State Parks.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

For the first time since 2019, Deception Pass State Park is advertising for an Interpretive Specialist
2. This position is critical to the operations of the park as they set the tone for visitor connection and interaction with the staff. On average, the park staff, led by the IS2, connect with approximately 60,000 visitors per year through numerous interpretive programs. These programs include, but are not limited to the Beach Naturalist's, Art's in the Park, Junior Ranger, Night Skies, Creature Corner, in school field trips, in park field trips, game nights, and nature hikes.

The IS2 will work closely with many internal and external stakeholders, including the Deception Pass Park Foundation, Washington State Park Foundation, Fidalgo Nature School, and numerous tribal governments. We are seeking a candidate that enjoys working outside, engaging the community, developing programs, and truly has a gift toward Nature Interpretation.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provides and supports high quality interpretive opportunities to the visitors of the Deception Pass State Park Area and the Kukutali Preserve:
• Develops and conducts interpretive opportunities throughout the years, in the park and community.
• Coordinate school and tour groups throughout the Area.
• Leads Ameri Corps Interpretive Naturalist and Skillbridge Interns.
• Recruits and trains new interpretive volunteers and interns.
• Assists in the development of interpretation for the Deception Pass Area:
• Evaluates current guided and self-guided interpretation in the park;
  Improves, updates, or suggests changes, as needed.
• Oversees the development, care, and maintenance of interpretive displays and facilities throughout the Area:
• Ensures the interpretive facilities and structures are safe, clean, and well maintained. This includes the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center, Discovery Center, interpretive displays and signage, amphitheater, and other structures used for interpretation throughout the Area.
• Performs administrative duties as related to Interpretive programming:
• Collects, tabulates, and reports annual interpretive statistics for Deception Pass Area.
• Monitors multiple budget sources for the purpose of purchasing materials and supplies for interpretive use.

Required Qualifications:

• Option 1:
  Four (4) years' experience in the field of 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 (except for corrective lenses) 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 (except for corrective lenses) 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 (except for corrective lenses) 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 (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Core Competencies:

• Workload Management:
  Effectively handle and organize multiple assignments and competing priorities, making sound decisions to produce accurate and timely work product. Remain focused on tasks in spite of distractions and interruptions, making the best use of available time and resources.
• Mastery of Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Use computers, including all associated hardware and software, to produce timely and…