Division/District: Coastal/Channel Coast
Reporting Location: Refugio State Beach
Working Title: Park Interpretive Specialist (Seasonal)
This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. This position is designated as not telework eligible.
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Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college (1) with major work in natural sciences or human history, or (2) with major work in education with specialization in natural science or human history. Full-time paid work performing duties similar to those listed under "TYPICAL TASKS" above may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required education on the basis of one season (three months) of experience being equal to one year of education.
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Position Description:
The Marine Protected Area (MPA) Park Interpretive (Seasonal) reports to the Refugio State Beach Office. The Park Interpretive Specialist will work under the supervision of the District Interpretive Manager and under the direction of the State Park Interpreter I. The incumbent will primarily work at the various Santa Barbara Sector Park units and locations adjacent to Santa Barbara County MPAs. The incumbent will also collaborate to deliver the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Program. The primary focus of the incumbent’s work will be interpreting California’s Network of marine protected areas as this position is funded via agreement with the Ocean Protection Council and the California Natural Resources Agency.
ALL EMPLOYEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTRIBUTING TO AN INCLUSIVE, SAFE, AND SECURE WORK ENVIRONMENT THAT VALUES DIVERSE CULTURES, PERSPECTIVES, AND EXPERIENCES, AND IS FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION.
Essential Functions:
45% Interpretive Services
• Works collaboratively with the Department’s PORTS Distance Learning Program to develop and deliver K-12 online educational programs using a variety of online communication tools and platforms with a specific focus on California’s marine protected areas (MPAs).
• Develop and publish weekly social media posts relating to California’s MPAs in conjunction with the Channel Coast District’s social media team.
• Develop and deliver regularly scheduled traditional interpretive programs including Junior Ranger and campfire programs, hikes, tours, informal interpretive demonstrations, field trips, and general outreach opportunities relating to California's MPAs for visitors on site, or as a part of local community outreach programs.
• Prepares and post interpretive program flyers.
• Assists the District interpretive staff with updates and translation of Department-created MPA-related publications and interpretive panels.
35% Community Engagement
• The Park Interpretive Specialist works collaboratively with various Channel Coast District interpretive staff, as well as with the MPA Outreach and Education Project Coordinator, to provide initiative and leadership for community-focused engagement activities and programs.
• Works with Channel Coast District volunteer groups, recruiting, organizing, and assisting with training for the Channel Coast area MPA Watch program.
• Attends and actively provides input at all regularly scheduled Santa Barbara MPA Collaborative meetings.
15% Administration
• Is able to operate program-required equipment: mobile computing and cellular devices, audio headset, video camera. Maintains equipment in good working order, coordinating repair when necessary.
• Has working knowledge of commonly used software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) as well as Google Docs. Has experience using various applications for digital content creation such as media editing software for creating and editing videos, social media posts, program flyers, and other interpretive materials.
• Maintains interpretive displays, panels, exhibits, and facilities.
• Communicates effectively: Reads, writes, and speaks English at a level required for successful job performance.
Marginal Functions
5% Other job-related duties as necessary for operational continuity.
• Participates in job-related interpretive training programs that focus on the use of digital communication tools, online content development, and interpretive program delivery. Attends and participates in required staff meetings as scheduled. Maintains an organized and safe workspace; reports hazardous work conditions to a supervisor.
Typical Working Conditions:
• Must be comfortable in windy and/or sunny coastal weather; able to lift heavy objects and tools; be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to walk long distances.
Special Requirements:
• Holds a valid Driver’s License and will be required to pass a driving test to use CA State Parks vehicles.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. The incumbent of this position may perform other duties (commensurate with this classification) as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover during absences, to equalize peak work periods or to otherwise balance the workload.