Education Support Specialist I (Interpretive Assistant)

Mason Neck State Park is seeking qualified candidates to fill the Interpretive Assistant position. This role will provide meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park's natural, historical, and cultural resources. Duties include leading interpretive programs, staffing visitor contact areas, performing roving interpretation throughout the park, answering telephones, and providing area information. This position will assist park staff with the daily planning and conducting of interpretive programs and educational outreach including corresponding with the general public including schools, scout groups, and home school organizations. Other responsibilities include monthly reports, inventory, and participating in facility cleanliness and compliance with specific DCR and park regulations. Additionally, this position will maintain all interpretive resources and ensure they are in good working order; create new programs; work with other local organizations to diversify programming; attend professional development workshops and seminars; assist park visitors; and keep accurate records of visitor contacts, facility visitation, and program participation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing (and with large groups of people) in a professional manner.
• Customer service skills.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Considerations:

• Prior experience and/or training in conducting interpretive programming.
• Ability to speak and comprehend Spanish.
• Ability to use multiple computer programs to develop, advertise, list, record, and communicate about program offerings.

Special Requirements:

Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1500 hours from May 1 to April 30. Employer participates in E-Verify.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.

Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.

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

Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

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 prior to 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.