Regional Interpretive Specialist
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under direction, to be responsible for planning, developing, and organizing a historical and natural history and related interpretive program for a region in the Department of Parks and Recreation; to secure historical and natural history information, and artifacts and exhibits from various sources for use in interpretive programs; to provide interpretive training for other employees; and to do other work.
Typical Tasks
As a staff specialist on a regional staff is responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating a regional interpretive program and for assisting district superintendents in developing and installing appropriate historical, natural history, and similar programs and exhibits; compiles and evaluates interpretive information and writes, edits, and reviews interpretive information for publication and use by other regional personnel; trains employees and assists supervisors in evaluating their performance and providing direct interpretive services to the public; reviews and assists in the development of budget requests for a regional interpretive program; works with departmental headquarters staff to solve interpretive problems and to obtain uniform interpretive standards; recommends interpretive staffing for the field units; assists in the review of State park development plans as they apply to interpretation and related activities; represents the Department of Parks and Recreation at meetings and functions of civil and professional organizations involved in various phases of the interpretive program; prepares reports and makes recommendations.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a State Park Naturalist I, State Historian I, Exhibit Specialist, or State Park Ranger II including substantial responsibility for interpretation of State park programs.
Or II
Experience: Three years of experience in historical or natural resources interpretive programs involving extensive personal contact with groups and organizations. (Graduate work in the natural sciences, modern history, anthropology, archeology, or museology may be substituted for not more than one year of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.) and
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college, preferably with a degree in history, natural science, or similar subject areas. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Interpretive theory, techniques, and media; historical and natural history features and values of the California State Park System; history and natural history of California; audio-visual and photographic techniques and media; principles of supervision and training; administrative practices and procedures; methods used in preserving and interpreting historical objects and buildings; museum administration principles; private and public organizations concerned with historical and natural history interpretive programs in California.
Ability to: Assume leadership and provide creativity in the planning and implementing of interpretive programs for historical and natural history features; plan and arrange exhibits; develop innovative solutions to complex interpretive problems; interpret historical and natural history concepts to the layperson; motivate, instruct and evaluate others in the techniques of interpretation of historical and natural features; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; keep necessary records and write reports; communicate effectively.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to travel throughout a Department of Parks and recreation district and to work irregular hours.
