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Senior Resource Interpreter and Programs Manager (Naturalist/Historian Senior Interpreter)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Senior Resource Interpreter and Programs Manager at Frying Pan Farm Park (FPFP) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. FPFP in Herndon is a park where every day is different. FPFP is a 135-acre park, which includes a 1920s-1950s working farm, equestrian facilities, Visitor Center with museum, rental space, working antique carousel, wagon rides, nature trails, historic buildings, summer camps, educational programs, and school field trips. FPFP welcomes more than 850,000 annual visitors to the park. Works as an integral team member to operations in this resource rich park?

This position researches, writes, and evaluates the annual site interpretive and educational programming plan. Hires, supervises, evaluates, and schedules staff and volunteers for the interpretation department. Coaches subordinate staff in program development and delivery and evaluates programs and activities. Works within budget for site programming, purchases program materials, manages program purchase orders and reconciles expenditures. Responsible for program registration system, including entering/monitoring all programs and data. Creates, conducts, evaluates, and helps promote agricultural, natural science and cultural history programs. Program areas include field trips, scouts, family, early childhood, youth, adult, summer camps and outreach. Plans and acquires interpretive learning aids. Responsible for preparing administrative reports and plans, regular budget exercises, record keeping and office management tasks. Manages volunteer hours and recruitment through volunteer database. Operates and trains staff on amusement operations. Works with site management and community partners for small and large event planning and implementation. Works as the acting assistant manager assuming all supervisory responsibilities for the facility in the absence of the Visitor Services Manager. All responsibilities and other duties assigned are performed under limited supervision by the Visitor Services Manager. Requires regular weekend, evening, nighttime, and holiday work based on the operational season. Serves as emergency personnel for the site.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will provide a virtual realistic job preview for this position on the below dates.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 10:00 AM-10:45 AM.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 275 003 355 428
Passcode: uzaZsv

Dial in by phone
+1 571-429-5982,,391910351# United States, Washington
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 391 910 351#
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Supervises and coordinates site interpretive programming to include planning, development and evaluation of educational, informational and recreation programs, tours, exhibits, and other media;
Plans and develops interpretive calendar;
Monitors trends in interpretation and gauges demand for interpretive services;
Hires, trains, evaluates and counsels interpretive programming staff;
Reviews interpretive materials prepared by staff and monitors the quality of interpretive programs;
Directs staff in site program development;
Coordinates administrative aspects of programming including scheduling, registration, revenue collection, purchasing, promotion and record keeping;
Develops budget requirements for site interpretive program and monitors expenses and revenues to maintain budget constraints;
Maintains fiscal records necessary to the operation and evaluation of interpretive program;
Develops or assists in the development of interpretive programs and media including exhibits, literature, and audio-visual programs;
Designs, presents and evaluates interpretive programs covering a wide range of topics on natural and cultural history for a diverse group of audiences;
Reviews and/or prepares interpretive materials including brochures, interpretive flyers, promotional materials, technical publications, audiovisual productions, trail interpretation and educational materials;
Conducts research in support of programming, interpretation and training;
Responds to public inquiries regarding programs and operations;
Represents site in division programming committee;
Assists site management in long-range planning.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of effective instructional methods and techniques;
Knowledge of equipment and materials needed to conduct interpretive and environmental/historical education programs;
Ability to provide expert knowledge in the development of a wide range of interpretive programs and activities;
Ability to provide technical resource and program leadership to interpretive staff;
Ability to develop and present creative, environmental/historical education and interpretive programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for all age levels;
Ability to supervise professional and volunteer staff members;
Ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budget;
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to interpret technical natural and cultural history materials to lay persons;
Ability to deal effectively with the public.

For Nature Centers:

Knowledge of the natural and biological sciences, including the theory, principles and practices of interpretation, conservation and environmental education;
Knowledge of current sources of information on field identification and interpretive techniques;
Knowledge of natural resource management;
Knowledge of native flora, fauna, geology and ecology of the local area;
Knowledge of local environmental issues and conservation practices.

For Historical Sites:

Knowledge of American and regional history;
Knowledge of historical research procedures;
Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of historical education and interpretation;
Knowledge of historical park management practices;
Knowledge of curatorial or collections management practices and procedures.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in natural or life sciences, history, education, park management, or a related field; Plus, One year of responsible experience in interpretation/programming, environmental or historical education, or a closely related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

2+ years developing interpretive programs in a natural setting for a variety of audiences.
Knowledge of natural and biological sciences as well as the theory, principles, and practices of interpretation, conservation, and environmental education.
2+years supervising staff. Experience with managing budgets and inventory.
Experience in interpretive writing and developing educational materials using a variety of media.
NAI certification.
Experience running or managing recreation activities for populations where English is a second language.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Driver's License (Required)
CPR/First Aid (Required within 3 months)
Certified Interpretative Guide (CIG) with NAI (Required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to do moderate lifting (Up to 35lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces, during all seasons. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
Must be capable of standing or sitting for long periods to conduct education programs or to perform office tasks. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.