Provides a variety of support services for park interpretive programs such as interfacing with national and local interpretive foundations, organizations, and points of contact involved in interpretive programming. Participates in administration, development, maintenance, revenue generating activities, presentations and visitor services for state park interpretive facilities and grounds.  

This is the journey level of the series that works under general supervision. Positions at this level assist higher level Specialists in the administrative operation of a complex or advanced level interpretive facility. 

OR

Implements site interpretive master plans and programs by providing routine interpretive services in a lower level facility that is not complex or advanced and offers limited interpretive programs.  Reports to a higher level Parks Interpretive Specialist or Park Ranger within a designated Park Area.

Performs technical research which pertains to the development and implementation of interpretive programs at historic sites, natural areas, and interpretive centers; 

Disseminates information on heritage sites and other historical and natural areas; provides technical assistance to field personnel, and other agencies and groups; implements and assists in development of park interpretive master plans and inventories; 

Assists with scheduling of interpretive programs and events; maintaining and operating security measures to protect cultural artifacts and interpretive facility inventories; and organizing and cataloging information and artifacts as directed;

Provide customer service to park visitors and oversees facility entry fee collection and daily fee reconciliation and transmittals; Assist in revenue generating programs by providing retail services; 

Collects, identifies and preserves objects of interpretive value; maintains accurate and up-to-date accession and artifact catalog records and trains personnel in their use; 

Prepares or assists in preparation of guides, booklets, studies, records, reports and other publications; 

Assists in the maintenance of files, pictures, maps, publications, abstracts, and other material relating to heritage sites and other historic and natural areas;  

Supervises and trains seasonal personnel engaged in interpretive programs; 

Assists as liaison between the agency and local groups regarding interpretation of historical, archaeological and natural areas; coordinates programs with other agencies and groups as required; 

May supervise lower level staff; 

Performs other duties as required.  

Knowledge of: national, State and local history and specific subject matter as it relates to the overall agency interpretive program; research methods and adaptation of data to interpretive techniques; methods used in acquisition, preservation, restoration and interpretation of artifacts, specimens and other display and research materials; audio-visual presentations.  

Ability to: plans and conduct complex research projects and extrapolate meaningful conclusions; identify, research and inventory interpretive collections; establish and maintain effective relationships with public and private individuals, professional organizations, and restoration specialists; express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in interpretation of Pacific Northwest history, American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or allied field.  

Experience in historic preservation or in historic or natural science research or interpretation may be substituted, year for year, for education.

New class adopted May 24, 1974.
Revise class.  Revises title (formerly Interpretive Specialist); adopted March 13, 1981.
Revise class.  Revises class code (formerly 2563); adopted July 1, 1991.
Revise class.  Revises class code (formerly 97240), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
Revised class title, salary range, definition, typical work, distinguishing characteristics; adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.