Parks Interpretive Specialist 1 (Lime Kiln Point State Park)

Washington State Parks and Recreation CommissionJob Title:Parks Interpretive Specialist 1
Location:Friday Harbor, WA
Closes:May 13th, 2026, at 5 P.M. PST. Aroom in subsidized park housing is available for this position.
Position Status:This is a full-time, non-permanent position. The expected duration of this 3-month, non-permanent appointment is June 15th, 2026, through September 15th, 2026.Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tabof this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee healthcare benefits eligibilityvisit -Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB)

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, 17 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 13 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).

This dynamic position is located at both Lime Kiln Point and on the Washington State Ferries in the San Juan Islands, in partnership with the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area and Washington State Ferries. The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage visitors with the geology, flora, fauna, and rich cultural stories of Lime Kiln Point State Park and the San Juan Islands. If you have a love for nature and people, this is the right position for you!

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

This position assists the Area Parks Interpretive Specialist 2 in providing professional level interpretive program support 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. In addition, in collaboration with Maritime Washington National Heritage Area and Washington State Department of Transportation, this position will spend two days a week providing interpretive services on Washington State Ferries in the San Juan Islands.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for implementation of the San Juan Area State Parks interpretive plan and programs.
• Develop and deliver interpretive programs such as guided walks, talks, presentations, and Junior Ranger programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups.
• Provide professional level interpretive programming on Washington State Ferries two days per week, including roving interpretation, tabling, and presentations.
• Assist with advertising and scheduling interpretive programs and special events within the Park Area.
• Research, develop, and implement programs, projects, and partnerships to ensure compatibility with the agency's interpretive program.
• Facilitate group tours and activities.
• Conduct educational outreach programs and activities as appropriate.
• 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.
• Inform groups and individuals of park rules and regulations when necessary.
• Maintain interpretive exhibits, collections, and related facilities, such as interpretive trails, kiosks, information bulletin boards, and historic landscapes; inspects new and revised interpretive products to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Participates in activities to recruit, schedule, train, and oversee volunteers involved in interpretive or special event activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1:

• Four (4) years' experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation anda valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 2:

• A bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation of Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or an allied field anda valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

Option 3:

• A combination of education and experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation that equals up to four (4) years anda valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver's license.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently or lead others while using good judgement.
• Awareness and willingness to follow safety policies and protocols.
• Promotes cooperation and an eagerness and capacity to learn new skills.
• Be a self-starter who can see a project through to completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform routine and minor maintenance of interpretive facilities, including rails, kiosks, and exhibits.
• Demonstrated knowledge of interpretive methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regional wildlife and geology.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Public Speaking & Interpretive Delivery

• The ability to convey complex natural or historical concepts into engaging, thematic stories for diverse audiences.

Program Development & Research

• Proficiency in researching regional history, geology, and ecology to create new educational curricula and thematic programs.

Public Outreach & Relationship Management

• Building and maintaining partnerships with local schools, non-profits, and community stakeholders.

Marketing & Customer Service

• Promoting park services and events to increase attendance while providing top-tier orientation to park visitors.

The ability to take action to learn and grow:

• Considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.
• Practicing self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases.
• Identifying and communicating their needs and challenges openly.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• Welcoming and valuing different identities and perspectives.
• Increasing access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.
• Collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

Requirements:
Uniform Information: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.

Working Conditions:Position works five (5) days a week, Wednesday - Sunday, including holidays. Core working hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evening may be required periodically. Adjustments to the work schedule may be expected to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent's request and is subject to supervisory approval. Incumbent is expected to maintain regular and reliable attendance to accommodate office and customer demands. This position will require offsite travel to conduct in-school, other outreach presentations, and interpretive services with the Park Area. Periodic travel between parks and/or statewide for meetings, training, and other field work may be required, including overnight travel.

How to apply:
To ensure consideration, please complete the online job application and profile atwww.careers.wa.gov. You mustattach 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.

To take advantage ofveteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, clickhere.

About Parks:
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. Parks is staffed with nearly 1,000 employees (summers), who are some of the most passionate employees you'll find anywhere. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Note:This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

Diversity Policy Statement:The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
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.

For information about this recruitment or Parks hiring process, please contact Jenee Kramer atJenee.Kramer@parks.wa.govor (360) 902-8569.

For information about this position, please contact Emily Herman atEmily.Herman@parks.wa.govor (360) 643-5767.

All applicants with alegal right to workin the United States are encouraged to apply.

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