State Parks - Kiptopeke State Park - Education Support Specialist - Open Until Filled

Hourly Range: $16.00 - $18.00

About the role

Kiptopeke State Park is accepting applications for the Education Support Specialist position. Join us in preserving what people care about most – access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities’ flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat and open space.

Plan, organize and conduct Park interpretive and educational programs that provide a quality and safe recreational experience for state park guests. Provide meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park's natural, historical, and cultural resources. Will also act as volunteer coordinator for the park.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, markets, and presents programming of the park that enhances, entertains, and educates the park guests to the cultural, historical, and natural resources found at and near the park.
• Provides specific programming for Kiptopeke State Park, dealing with the unique ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay and the native flora and fauna found in the area.
• Responsible for developing, initiating, and leading kayak tours for the park.
• Provides regularly scheduled programs utilizing self-knowledge and guest speakers in campgrounds and through the park on a variety of topics.
• Acts as a front-line customer service representative for the park site.
• Supervises a small staff of park naturalists.
• Actively recruiting, onboarding, and training new volunteers.
• Working closely with the Assistant Park Manager to schedule, coordinate, and complete volunteer service projects both in the office and out in the park.
• Training, recruiting, and assisting camp hosts with various duties throughout the park.
• Supervising volunteer work directly in the field, including trail work, habitat restoration, and other park improvement projects.
• Coordinating volunteer groups such as Alternative Spring Break, corporate volunteer teams, and scout projects.
• Supporting the park’s group volunteer partners and other community organizations.

Requirements

• Experience with customer service.
• Experience organizing and conducting programs and events for all ages.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to be able to respond to emails, phone calls, and interact with the public professionally.
• Experience developing, coordinating, or working on special events.
• Must be willing to work weekdays, weekends, nights, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Education, training, and/or experience in the natural sciences/resources.
• Experience creating and facilitating environmental education programs.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience with volunteers, interns, or seasonal staff.
• Experience with computer programming, including Microsoft Office software and Canva.

Special Instructions

• Background Check: Employment in all Virginia State Parks positions is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
• Employment Eligibility: Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
• Work Requirements: Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

Benefits

DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service) are entitled to overnight facility discounts such as:

• Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
• Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night prior to a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
• Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays only receive a 25% discount.