Program Manager/Senior Interpreter (Naturalist/Historian Senior Interpreter) Salary $55,789.55 - $92,981.62 Annually Location ALEXANDRIA (LM06), VA Job Type FT Hourly W BN Job Number 25-00120 Department Park Authority Opening Date 01/11/2025 Closing Date 1/24/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Pay Grade S20 Posting Type Open to General Public * Description * Benefits * Questions Job Announcement Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! Works as 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. Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley, Fairfax County Park Authority sites and a part of the Resource Management and Interpretation Division, are located in the Alexandria/Hybla Valley area in Northern Virginia. At 1,559 acres, Huntley Meadows is one of the largest natural resource parks in the DC area. Situated on the coastal plain, it consists of forests, meadows, streams and a 50-acre non-tidal wetland with a boardwalk and observation tower. Managed as a wildlife sanctuary, center for environmental education and site for passive/nature-related recreation, this public park receives 200,000 visitors a year and is one of the most popular wildlife-watching sites in the area. The 19th Century architectural gem, Historic Huntley, was built for Thomson Francis Mason, the grandson of George Mason. Adorned with main house and outbuildings, the site is open for tours, programs, and rentals. The Park Authority is seeking an experienced professional to supervise and manage all aspects of interpretive programming for Huntley Meadows Park. Researches, writes, and evaluates the annual site programming. Writes and evaluates site programs and program activities. Develops the budget for site programming, purchases program materials and assists with cash-handling/recording tasks. Responsible for the online program system, including entering/monitoring all online programs. Designs, creates, conducts, evaluates and markets natural and cultural history programs. Plans and produces interpretive learning aids. Prepares administrative reports and plans, regular budget exercises, record keeping and office management tasks. Routinely is manager on duty and sole person responsible for park operations and patron safety. Opens, closes, and inspects the facility for safe public use. Greets the public and provides technical information. Hires, supervises, evaluates, and schedules staff and volunteers at multiple locations. Plans and creates natural and cultural exhibits and displays. Researches, writes, or reviews brochures, technical publications, audio visual productions and trail interpretation. Morning or evening work is required for opening and closing the park. Requires regular (monthly) weekend work, and occasional holiday work. 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: * At least two years of experience developing and leading interpretive programs in a natural setting for a variety of audiences. * At least one year of experience developing and leading interpretive programs in a historic setting for a variety of audiences. * At least one year of supervisory/leadership experience. * Knowledge of natural and biological sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of interpretation, conservation, and environmental education. * Experience in Rec Dynamics programming functions; * Experience working with a large and diverse public; and developing marketing/advertising items using a variety of media. * Possess a current National Association for Interpretation (NAI) professional certification. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: Driver's License (Required) NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to stand, sit, walk on rough, uneven terrain on park trails. Must be able to lift 25lbs. Must be able to work in varying weather conditions. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview; 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.