You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Widewater State Park - Education Support Specialist I

Hiring range: $13.00 - $14.50 per hour
Widewater State Park is looking for an outgoing, energetic, and responsible individual needed for working with a wide variety of guests as part of Widewater's educational programming.

Position provides meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park's natural/historical/and cultural resources. The Education Support Specialist is responsible for the daily planning and conducting of interpretive programs and educational outreach, including corresponding with the general public, schools, scout groups etc. about programming. The position is responsible for maintaining interpretive displays in the Visitor Center and assisting with the daily care and health of all exhibit animals. The Education Support Specialist assists with the development of the interpretive program schedule and planning special events. Other duties include maintaining all interpretive supplies and ensuring they are in good working order, creating new interpretive programs, working with other local organizations to diversify programming, writing blogs or interpretive signage, posting photos to Flickr, attending professional development workshops and seminars, obtaining facilitator certification in curriculum guides, such as Project Wild, paddle guide certification, assisting park visitors using good customer service techniques, keeping accurate records and assists with other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicant must have the ability to organize and conduct nature, culture, and history programs for all ages; able to write out program descriptions, respond to emails; able to professionally answer phone calls and interact with the public; knowledge of Virginia history; understanding of ecology and familiarity with the area's flora and fauna. Must be 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. A background check will be required.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience or education in biology, history, parks and recreation or wildlife studies preferred.
We provide on the job training. The Education Support Specialist may be required to perform other park-related duties during emergencies or on a nonrecurring basis. Position requires shift work, including weekends and holidays. Individual is required to have or have the ability to obtain a valid Virginia driver's license. This position can be an outstanding first step toward a lasting career with the park service.

Special Requirements: No benefits are associated with seasonal/wage positions. Maximum of 1500 working hours allowed in a 12-month period from May 1 to April 30 for seasonal/wage positions. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. Positions require shift work including evenings, weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Although we are currently seeking qualified applications for this position, all applicants for employment should be aware that evolving conditions with COVID-19 as well as the state budget may impact our ability to ultimately fill this position during the 2021 season. We will continue to post updates to our www.dcr.virginia.gov website and recommend applicants check that site often to remain up-to-date on any changes or park closures.