Job Announcement

The Park Authority is seeking the next Senior Interpreter for Frying Pan Farm Park, a very active, 135-acre park with diverse facilities including a working 1930’s farm, equestrian center, historic buildings, visitor center, and much more. The Senior Interpreter supervises all aspects of interpretive programming; this includes summer camps, school programs, scout programs, special events, birthday parties, and animal husbandry outreach programs. Directly supervises all paid and volunteer interpretive staff. Performs all record/budget keeping and report writing functions for interpretive services and serves as volunteer coordinator. Acts as manager on duty as needed. Assuming all supervisory responsibilities for these facilities in the absence of the Historian II. All responsibilities are performed under the limited supervision of the Historian II.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will provide a virtual realistic job preview on January 20th 4:00-5:00 pm. Interested candidates may join the following Microsoft TEAMS link to participate in learning more about the position with Park Authority staff.

To access, please click the TEAMS link below.

REALISTIC JOB PREVIEW:
Microsoft Teams meeting January 20th 4:00-5:00 pm.
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 571-429-5982,,615919870# United States, Arlington
Phone Conference ID: 615 919 870#

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:
Experience working with farm animals and strong agricultural background is highly desirable. 2+ years hiring, training, and supervising paid program staff. 2+ years developing and implementing natural and/or cultural interpretive programming. The ability to communicate with, supervise and empower volunteers to be effective in their roles— one year experience supervising volunteers preferred. Has experience recruiting, screening, interviewing, and training new volunteers.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CPR/First Aid (Required within 3 months)
• Certified Interpretative Guide (CIG) with NAI

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Otherwise, vaccinated employees will complete the attestation online in the first day of employment.

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, child protectives services registry check, and driver's record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be capable of standing or sitting for long periods to conduct education programs or to perform office tasks.
• Ability to do moderate lifting (Up to 35lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces, during all seasons.
• Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment.
• Ability to work in hot and cold temperatures.
• 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 military status 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.