Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Senior Interpreter to be a part of one of the most highly-regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

Supervises and manages all aspects of interpretive programming and media for Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and unstaffed parks within Sully Woodlands District. Researches, writes and evaluates the annual site programming and marketing plan; writes and evaluates site programs and program activities; develops the budget for site programming and purchases program materials; designs, creates, conducts, evaluates and markets natural and cultural history programs and plans and produces interpretive learning aids. A person serving in this role routinely is manager on duty and sole person responsible for park operations and visitor safety. Opens, closes, and inspects the facility for safe public use; greets the public and provides technical information; hires, supervises, evaluates, and schedules staff and volunteers at multiple locations; plans, creates maintains natural and cultural exhibits and displays and researches, writes, or reviews brochures, technical publications, audio visual productions and trail interpretation. Additionally, this position oversees care of site exhibit animals.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• Supervises and coordinates site interpretive programming to include planning, development and evaluation of educational, informational and recreation programs, tours, exhibits, and other media;
• Plans and develops interpretive calendar;
• Monitors trends in interpretation and gauges demand for interpretive services;
• Hires, trains, evaluates and counsels interpretive programming staff;
• Reviews interpretive materials prepared by staff and monitors the quality of interpretive programs;
• Directs staff in site program development;
• Coordinates administrative aspects of programming including scheduling, registration, revenue collection, purchasing, promotion and record keeping;
• Develops budget requirements for site interpretive program and monitors expenses and revenues to maintain budget constraints;
• Maintains fiscal records necessary to the operation and evaluation of interpretive program;
• Develops or assists in the development of interpretive programs and media including exhibits, literature, and audio-visual programs;
• Designs, presents and evaluates interpretive programs covering a wide range of topics on natural and cultural history for a diverse group of audiences;
• Reviews and/or prepares interpretive materials including brochures, interpretive flyers, promotional materials, technical publications, audiovisual productions, trail interpretation and educational materials;
• Conducts research in support of programming, interpretation and training;
• Responds to public inquiries regarding programs and operations;
• Represents site in division programming committee;
• Assists site management in long-range planning.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of effective instructional methods and techniques;
• Knowledge of equipment and materials needed to conduct interpretive and environmental/historical education programs;
• Ability to provide expert knowledge in the development of a wide range of interpretive programs and activities;
• Ability to provide technical resource and program leadership to interpretive staff;
• Ability to develop and present creative, environmental/historical education and interpretive programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for all age levels;
• Ability to supervise professional and volunteer staff members;
• Ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budget;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to interpret technical natural and cultural history materials to lay persons;
• Ability to deal effectively with the public.

For Nature Centers:

• Knowledge of the natural and biological sciences, including the theory, principles and practices of interpretation, conservation and environmental education;
• Knowledge of current sources of information on field identification and interpretive techniques;
• Knowledge of natural resource management;
• Knowledge of native flora, fauna, geology and ecology of the local area;
• Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices.

For Historical Sites:

• Knowledge of American and regional history;
• Knowledge of historical research procedures;
• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of historical education and interpretation;
• Knowledge of historical park management practices;
• Knowledge of curatorial or collections management practices and procedures.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in natural or life sciences, history, education, park management, or a related field; PLUS
One year of responsible experience in interpretation/programming, environmental or historical education, or a closely related field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
2+ years developing interpretive programs in a natural setting for a variety of audiences. 1+ years developing historical programs. Knowledge of natural and biological sciences including the theory, principles, and practices of interpretation, conservation, and environmental education. 2+years hiring and supervising staff. Experience with managing budgets and inventory. Experience in interpretive writing and developing marketing items using a variety of media. NAI certification. Experience running or managing recreation activities.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CPR and/or First Aid (Required within 12 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protective registry check, and driver's license check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to do moderate lifting (Up to 50lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces, during all seasons. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.