Seasonal Interpreter

We respect and embrace the experiences, knowledge and contributions of our team members. We strive for a culture of belonging and balance by upholding our values : stewardship, integrity, collaboration, respect and innovation. We are passionate about Missouri, our role to preserve, protect and enhance our environment and we are committed to serving its’ citizens. We believe our mission and vision serves a greater purpose and will be felt for generations to come.

This position is with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, and will be located at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park (32146 N Hwy 122., Miami, MO 65344).

This position will be temporary, the work hours are flexible and negotiable; Sunday through Saturday but shall be expected to be between 15 to 30 hours per week, not to exceed 1,000 hours total during the length of the employment.

Duration of Assignment: (Flexible time frame) April through October, with the possibility of extended season.

You will be assisting the Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park staff with park interpretation, and you will get to actively learn about the park’s operations, cultural and natural resources stewardship activities, and historical research.

• Assist, develop and deliver interpretive programming for school groups and general public.
• Assist with cultural stewardship of historic artifacts.
• Research history of the park and cultures of the past around the area.
• Help with stewardship activities in selected park areas.
• Attend trainings as needed, such as Interpreter training, First Aid, CPR, etc.
• Assist with our reservation system and souvenir sales.
• Other duties as assigned

To be successful in this position, a candidate will need the following skills:

• Interpretation (Resources ): Ability to coordinate, manage and direct interpretive or educational programing related to natural or cultural resources in a way that conveys significance to visitors; connecting them to personal relevance, shared learning, meeting specific learning objectives (i.e. educator or community needs), informing public about compliance and safety, supporting management of natural or cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhancing mutual understanding for individual and social benefit.
• Oral and Written Communication : Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, consider the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral and written presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Self-Management : Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
• Computer Skills : Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• High school diploma, equivalent, or working toward one or the other.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Experience to be Gained:

• You will gain experience performing historical research, working with artifact collections, and improving your interpretation skills.
• You will gain hands-on knowledge with methods used to promote natural stewardship, including identifying and treating invasive species.
• You will gain the ability to work a job with diverse duties.
• You will gain the ability to work outside in a park.

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• State of Missouri

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