Interpreter

Develops and facilitates social studies education, public history, and interpretation programs and products related to the cultural history found in the Charleston County Park and Recreation (CCPRC) system, focused on McLeod Plantation Historic Site. Ensures exceptional customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality, well-publicized, and accessible services that adhere to safety standards. Requires evening, weekend, and holiday work, as well as "on-call" status for emergency situations. Eligible to work in a hybrid environment with prior approval.

Responsibilities

• Researches the cultural and natural history of the region and CCPRC properties, including McLeod Plantation Historic Site (MPHS), developing and executing social studies education and cultural history interpretive programs and products.
• Assists with the implementation of interpretation programs across other sites.
• Designs and updates content for interpretive exhibits and products.
• Assists with resource stewardship efforts, including archaeology and the collection of oral histories, with a focus on MPHS.
• Educates the public and staff about the preservation and conservation of cultural resources in the county park system.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships and partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, faith-based organizations, community groups, businesses, non-profits, industry professionals, subject matter experts, and MPHS descendant communities.
• Participates in creating long- and short-term interpretation goals, especially for the agency’s flagship history parks.
• Maintains interpretive program materials inventory.
• Ensures programs and events protect natural and cultural resources (artifacts, historic buildings, structures, graves, etc.) and environmental quality.
• Assists with the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of part-time personnel and volunteers.
• Delivers exceptional customer service by responding to public inquiries, suggestions, complaints, and requests regarding agency programs and events.
• Represents the agency professionally in presentations, business meetings, and other interactions.
• Contributes to strategic planning, including evaluating, researching, and developing goals for historical interpretive programs.
• Assists in budget preparation for the Cultural History Interpretation area, ensuring compliance with budget restrictions and identifying revenue opportunities.
• Participates in safety training, procedures, records, inspections, and incident reporting to ensure compliance with ADA, OSHA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Implements aspects of the agency’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Maintains affiliations and certifications with professional organizations such as the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Interpretation, History, Education, or a related field with three years of experience is preferred. An associate’s degree with four years of experience or a high school diploma/GED with six years of experience may substitute. Supervisory experience is preferred.
• First Aid/CPR certification preferred; SC DOT Emergency Medical Responder certification preferred.
• Must pass a drug test and criminal background check and possess a valid Driver’s License.
• General knowledge of park and recreation administration, interpretation, history, and pedagogy, with an appreciation for local cultural resources.
• Sufficient knowledge of the cultural and natural history of Charleston, as well as experience in interpretation and education.
• Experience working with cultural history, education professionals, and coordinating historical and archaeological research.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and personal protective equipment, with experience training staff on equipment and vehicles.
• Experience interacting effectively with agency officials, elected officials, contractors, inspectors, and vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other common office technology.
• Strong active listening and communication skills, both oral and written, for small groups.
• Experience in problem-solving, both independently and within teams.
• Experience in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and developing employees and volunteers through supervision, mentoring, and evaluation.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Experience providing outstanding customer service, both internally and externally.
• General knowledge of fiscal management and budget monitoring.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Frequent movement and stationary work in office environments, indoor park facilities, and outdoors.
• Frequent traversal of outdoor terrain, including concrete, pavement, grass, dirt, mud, gravel, and sand.
• Frequent writing, reading, processing, and moving documents.
• Frequent operation of computers, copiers, printers, and scanners.
• Frequent communication with staff and the public in person, online, and by phone.
• Frequent travel to central and remote locations throughout Charleston County.
• Frequent operation of vehicles such as cars and trucks.
• Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, precipitation, wind, sunlight, and humidity.
• Frequent lifting, moving, and transporting equipment and miscellaneous items weighing up to 25 pounds to a height of 5-6 feet.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance.
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts.
• Annual and Sick Leave.
• 13 Paid Holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan (both agency and employee contribute).
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program with employer matching funds.
• Longevity Pay Increases.
• Optional Federal Credit Union Membership.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Professional and Skill Development Training.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Program with free annual onsite screenings.
• Free admission to all CCPRC parks and facilities, including beaches and waterparks.
• Free admission to special events.
• Discounts on food, beverage, and gift shop items.
• Free beach chair, umbrella, pedal boat, and bike rentals.
• Employee ID provides free admission to over 25 participating attractions in Charleston.