Job Description

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state. Position Information Class Code: P035C Grade: GS05 FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT Salary Range: $32,405.00 - $51,686.00SummaryThe Park Interpreter is responsible for the research, development and presentation of programs designed to explain and establish the value of the natural, cultural, and historic resources within the park sites and for promoting the use of Arkansas State Parks. This position are governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.FunctionsResearches historical, geological, and/or biological data and plans type and content of interpretive programs to meet the needs and learning styles of various groups to illustrate and explain park resources and their values. Researches, locates, identifies, catalogues, documents, and conserves artifacts. Researches, locates, identifies, and catalogues plants and animals located within the park and documents them in the park's Natural Resource Inventory. Researches and designs interior and wayside exhibits, multi-media presentations, brochures, pamphlets, maps, and other materials to provide information and interpretation. Presents programs, demonstrations, and lectures to various groups inside and outside the park. Develops and presents special programs that pertain to the mission and scope of the park. Reviews films, slides, collected information, and specimens. Writes narratives, scripts, outlines, descriptions, and explanations of exhibits, history, geology, archaeology, or ecology to illustrate and explain the nature of the park. Promotes the park and park programs through news releases and media coverage. Performs other duties as assigned.DimensionsNoneKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of Arkansas' natural, cultural, and historic resources. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of multi-media equipment. Knowledge of the principles of advertising and media communications. Knowledge of the principles of scientific research and the techniques of data collection and analysis. Knowledge of environmental and safety laws and regulations pertaining to parks and recreation. Ability to research, script, and design exhibits and displays. Ability to prepare and present interpretive and illustrative oral and written programs. Ability to greet visitors and provide information concerning the state. Ability to maintain records and write reports.Minimum QualificationsThe formal educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree in natural science, communications, parks and recreation management, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.LicensesNone Seasonal Park Interpreters Salary: $15.33/hour Requisition: 46461 Location: various Arkansas State Parks Closing date: 1/30/25 or until filled This position helps park visitors have memorable experiences in state parks and form meaningful connections to the beauty and history of Arkansas through outdoor recreation. The position will research, promote, and present formal and informal outdoor programs that may include guided hikes, amphitheater talks, kayak and boat tours, resource-focused recreational activities, outdoor historic site tours, curriculum-based school programs, and programs for local communities. The position also assists with park operations duties as assigned, to include answering phones, camper registration, retail sales, answering visitor questions, and assisting with housekeeping and maintenance. Specific tasks and interpretive program topics vary by site. Positions will be filled at various locations around the state (specific locations listed below). Positions range in duration from 3 to 9 months. Positions begin March, April, or May and last through summer or fall depending on duration. Actual work schedules vary by park and season. All positions are considered extra-help (part-time), but employees can expect a 35–40-hour work week during peak visitation season (peak varies by location). Housing is provided at some parks but is not guaranteed. Valid driver’s license required. Must pass driving record and criminal background check. Must have physical condition sufficient to work outdoors on uneven terrain, and sometimes under strenuous conditions. Must be able to work a non-standard schedule, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings. A mandatory, 4-day, paid interpretation skills training class is provided. Minimum qualifications are at least two years of college education in a degree plan majoring in natural science, park interpretation, communications, park administration, history, education, forestry, or a related field. Preferred qualifications are relevant work or volunteer experience, documented experience in public speaking and writing, coursework in interpretive methods, and a working knowledge of Arkansas natural/cultural history. At parks with lakes and rivers, experience and strong skills in swimming, boating, and kayaking are preferred. Virtual, online interviews with qualified, selected applicants will be held. At this time, we expect to have multiple positions available at various locations statewide, tentative list below (subject to change as positions are filled). Note: some parks may rehire eligible, returning employees from the previous season. Contact our Personnel office, Program Services office, or specific park Superintendents if you have questions about the availability of parks’ positions, season dates, and housing. You can specify your location preferences on the application and during the interview process if selected to interview. See list on next page. We are an EOE/AA/ADA employer. Employees (Internal) Non-State Employee Applicants (External) 2025 Seasonal Park Interpreter Positions Park Location Position(s) Housing provided? Bull Shoals – White River Lakeview, AR (north central Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Cossatot Wickes, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Crater Murfreesboro, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Daisy Kirby, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) NO DeGray Lake Bismarck, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) NO Hobbs Rogers, AR (northwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) NO Lake Catherine Hot Springs, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Lake Fort Smith Mountainburg, AR (northwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Lake Ouachita Mountain Pine, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Logoly Magnolia, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) NO Millwood Ashdown, AR (southwest Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Mount Nebo Dardanelle, AR (western Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) NO Parkin Parkin, AR (northeast Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Petit Jean Morrilton, AR (central Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Pinnacle Little Rock, AR (central Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Plum Bayou Scott, AR (central Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Plum Bayou Scott, AR (central Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Woolly Hollow Greenbrier, AR (central Ark.) 9 mo (1440 hours) YES Jacksonport Newport, AR (northeast Ark.) 8 mo (1280 hours) YES Cane Creek Star City, AR (southeast Ark.) 6 mo (960 hours) YES Lake Charles Powhatan, AR (northeast Ark.) 6 mo (960 hours) YES Lake Frierson Jonesboro, AR (northeast Ark.) 6 mo (960 hours) NO Moro Bay Jersey, AR (southwest Ark.) 6 mo (960 hours) YES DeGray Lake Bismarck, AR (southwest Ark.) 3 mo (420 hours) NO Lake Ouachita Mountain Pine, AR (southwest Ark.) 3 mo (420 hours) YES Petit Jean Morrilton, AR (central Ark.) 3 mo (420 hours) YES White Oak Bluff City, AR (southwest Ark.) 3 mo (420 hours) YES Withrow Springs Huntsville, AR (northwest Ark.) 3 mo (420 hours) YES These seasonal positions are eligible for holiday pay and a retirement savings account. Some of these positions include housing during your employment.

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