Address
Form of workSalary: $3,796.00 - $5,088.00 Monthly
Location : San Juan County - Friday Harbor, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-02587
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 03/05/2024
Closing Date: 3/26/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Parks Interpretive Specialist 2
Location: Friday Harbor, WA
Closes: March 27th, 2024, at 5 p.m. PST
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click .
The San Juan archipelago north of Puget Sound is like no other place on earth. The cluster of 400 islands and rocks in the Salish Sea is a world unto itself. Within this watery haven, 16 Washington State Parks welcome locals and visitors to moor, dock, hike, kayak, camp, sightsee and just be on their beautiful shores. Four San Juan Islands and four State Parks are accessible by car on a Washington State Ferry. Park goers can access a few of the additional 12 Marine Island State Parks by commercial water taxi or private boat. The auto-accessible parks are Moran (Orcas), Lime Kiln Point (San Juan), Spencer Spit (Lopez) and Obstruction Pass (Orcas). The position is located at Lime Kiln Point State Park and is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth and houses a 1919-vintage lighthouse for viewing.
Duties
Under the direction of the San Juan Area Manager, this position provides professional level interpretive services, serves as the senior level curator, and has responsibility for the operational management of Lime Kiln Point State Park Interpretive Center, Lighthouse, Moran State Park Visitor Center facility, and interpretive services for the San Juan Park Area which consists of Moran State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Spencer Spit State Park, and the San Juan Area Island Marine State Parks.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
OR
Additional Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:
All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at You must attach or embed in your application the following:
This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment - one that embraces the full spectrum of all community members' contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
For information about this position, please contact Aaron Davidson at or (360) 376-2326.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8569.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked ...
Location : San Juan County - Friday Harbor, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-02587
Department: Parks and Recreation Commission
Opening Date: 03/05/2024
Closing Date: 3/26/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Job Title: Parks Interpretive Specialist 2
Location: Friday Harbor, WA
Closes: March 27th, 2024, at 5 p.m. PST
Want to join a great organization? The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse--and most beautiful-parks systems in the country. With more than 120,000 acres, the system includes 124 developed parks, including 19 marine parks, 11 historical parks, 35 heritage sites, 13 interpretive centers and approximately 500 miles of long-distance recreation trails. And the agency is staffed with nearly 1000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. We love what we manage and what we do. For more information on Washington State Parks, click .
The San Juan archipelago north of Puget Sound is like no other place on earth. The cluster of 400 islands and rocks in the Salish Sea is a world unto itself. Within this watery haven, 16 Washington State Parks welcome locals and visitors to moor, dock, hike, kayak, camp, sightsee and just be on their beautiful shores. Four San Juan Islands and four State Parks are accessible by car on a Washington State Ferry. Park goers can access a few of the additional 12 Marine Island State Parks by commercial water taxi or private boat. The auto-accessible parks are Moran (Orcas), Lime Kiln Point (San Juan), Spencer Spit (Lopez) and Obstruction Pass (Orcas). The position is located at Lime Kiln Point State Park and is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth and houses a 1919-vintage lighthouse for viewing.
Duties
Under the direction of the San Juan Area Manager, this position provides professional level interpretive services, serves as the senior level curator, and has responsibility for the operational management of Lime Kiln Point State Park Interpretive Center, Lighthouse, Moran State Park Visitor Center facility, and interpretive services for the San Juan Park Area which consists of Moran State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, Spencer Spit State Park, and the San Juan Area Island Marine State Parks.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of the Lime Kiln Point State Park Interpretive Center, Lighthouse, and Moran State Park Visitor Center facilities and all the interpretive services provided within the San Juan Park Area.
- Develop interpretive programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups such as guided walks, talks, presentations, living history programs, virtual programs, and Junior Ranger programs.
- Establish and maintain public outreach with government agencies, schools, non-profit organizations, and research organizations.
- Provides technical interpretive expertise for internal and external exhibits as well as interpretive media publications, brochures, panels, signage and other educational materials.
- Supervises Park personnel including scheduling, duty assignment, time reporting, and evaluation of performance. Recruits, schedules, trains and oversees volunteer and volunteer group involved in interpretive or special event activities.
- Serve as a liaison and committee team member to assist other park areas with coordinating, supporting, and consulting on interpretive activities and programs.
- Serve as a professional customer service provider. Conduct face-to-face contacts with visitors providing a range of customer service needs including orientation to park resources and facilities, interpretive opportunities and other outdoor recreation or outdoor learning amenities.
- Directs and implements the Interpretive Master Plan for the San Juan Area. Prepares contracts and grant proposals including cost estimates and scope definitions for interpretive initiatives.
- Maintenance of interpretive exhibits, collections, and related facilities including interpretive trails, kiosks, information bulletin boards and historic landscapes.
- Performs and oversees routine grounds and maintenance work inside and outside of facilities as well as trail system assessment and maintenance.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation of Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or related fields AND Two (2) years of experience in natural history or historical interpretation gained through operation of an interpretive facility and/or curatorial experience.
OR
- 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.
- A valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.
Additional Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:
- Demonstrated knowledge of interpretive methods.
- Demonstrated knowledge of regional wildlife and geology.
- Work independently while using good judgement and problem-solving skills in decision making.
- Take direction and has an eagerness and adaptability to learn new skills.
- Take initiative and see a project through completion.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Aware and willing to follow safety policies and protocols.
- Ability to perform routine and minor maintenance of interpretive facilities, including rails, kiosks, and exhibits.
All Parks Interpretive Specialists are required to wear a uniform. A complete and properly worn uniform helps establish the professional identity of an Interpretive Specialist and promotes respect as a Washington State Parks employee. All Parks Interpretive Specialists will receive the same standard uniform that is issued to the Park Ranger series, to include: shirts, pants, shorts, headwear, sweater, belt, necktie, jacket and badge.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile at You must attach or embed in your application the following:
- Letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
- Current resume.
- Three professional references, if not completed in the application process.
This position is included in the non-supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Diversity Policy Statement:
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive park environment - one that embraces the full spectrum of all community members' contributions. The Commission makes this commitment because:
- Diversity strengthens the workforce in competence and ability;
- Celebrating diversity appreciates and values individual differences;
- Diversity serves an increasingly heterogeneous society;
- Diversity helps ensure the relevance of a State Park system, its mission, properties, and programs to the people of this state today and in the future; and
- Diversity is crucial to our ability to serve all citizens.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
For information about this position, please contact Aaron Davidson at or (360) 376-2326.
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Jenee Kramer at Jenee.Kramer@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8569.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked ...
