Park Interpreter

Park Interpreter

Salary

$85,307.04 - $103,174.24 Annually

Location

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-T31-A

Department

Parks & Recreation

Opening Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

11/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

01

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under general direction to assist with the planning, development, coordination and implementation of interpretive programs, events, facilities and services for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Typical Tasks

• Plans, prepares, markets and presents public interpretive programs to a variety of audiences;
• Develops and prepares interpretive program curriculum and various media including exhibits, signage, printed media and website content;
• Assists with recruiting, training, evaluating, and leading volunteers and/or docents and works along with volunteers/docents assigned to help with interpretive programs and facilities;
• Assists in the operation and coordination of interpretive centers and facilities;
• May collect and account for fees;
• Trains other park staff as related to interpretive program;
• Acts as Parks Department representative at public events, festivals, and fairs;
• May act as a Parks representative at community-based committees, partnerships and projects related to Interpretation, Recreation and Environmental Education;
• Performs minor custodial duties related to the maintenance of interpretive center, facilities and exhibits;
• Assemble and tear down interpretive exhibit booths at events;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and the possession and application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The following knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university.

OR

Completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter units from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience conducting research and preparing presentations with an organization that provides educational, recreational, historical or cultural related information to the public.

Possession of a Bachelors degree or significant coursework in Interpretive Studies, Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Park Management, History, Communication, Performing Arts or Education is desirable.

Possession of a valid California Drivers License upon appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Drivers Permit.

Certificates

Possession of a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate issued by the American Red Cross before completion of the probationary period.

Knowledge of:

• Planning and design of interpretive exhibits and displays;
• Organizational development, including project planning and coordination;
• Project development and evaluation particularly as it applies to an interpretive program;
• Principles of public speaking and presentation;
• Research methods;
• Computer applications such as word processing, email and internet.

Ability to:

• Learn principles of park interpretation and research methods;
• Plan, prepare, organize, present and evaluate interpretive program curriculum for a parks and recreation department or agency;
• Read and interpret information regarding the natural and cultural history of California (especially the southern San Francisco bay region);
• Care for and maintain live specimens, taxidermy specimens and exhibits;
• Train, motivate and use volunteer and docent personnel to meet service needs;
• Read, interpret, and understand the laws, ordinances and regulations relevant to perform the functions described above.
• Operate a computer, standard and specialized software programs; such as desktop publishing and graphic design software for printed materials, presentations and exhibits;
• Operate various audio visual equipment used in exhibits and for presentations;
• Deal effectively and develop and maintain cooperative relationships with volunteers, employees, management, the public and representatives of other groups and organizations;
• Speak and write effectively and clearly.

Special Requirements

• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and/or other irregular hours;
• Conform to Departmental uniform standards for Park Interpreters;
• Occasionally lift, carry, push and pull supplies weighing up to sixty (60) pounds;
• Stand, walk or sit for extended periods of time;
• Stoop, bend, reach, grasp and manipulate small objects with hands.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Please include the name of employers, job titles, dates of employment, and hours worked per week for questions asking about work experience.

Do you understand these requirements?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None

03

How many years of experience do you possess conducting research and preparing presentations with an organization that provides educational, recreational, historical or cultural related information to the public?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five years or more

04

Describe your experience conducting research and preparing presentations with an organization that provides educational, recreational, historical or cultural related information to the public. Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and detailed description of duties performed. If none, indicate "N/A".

05

How many years of experience do you have developing public interpretive programs?

• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five years or more

06

Describe your experience developing public interpretive programs (e.g. guided walks, museum/visitor tours, campfire programs, K-12 field trip programs, etc.). Include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, and the types of programs/activities/materials you personally developed. If none, indicate "N/A".

07

How many years of experience do you possess presenting public interpretive programs?

• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five years or more

08

Describe your experience presenting public interpretive programs (e.g. guided walks, museum/visitor tours, campfire programs, K-12 field trip programs, etc.). Include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, and the types of programs/activities/materials you presented. If none, indicate "N/A".

09

Describe your experience training, coordinating, and scheduling volunteers for interpretive programs. Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties performed. If none, indicate "N/A".

10

Describe your experience presenting interpretive programs in a virtual environment (eg Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.). Be detailed and specific and include employer name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties performed. If none, indicate "N/A".

11

Please indicate which of the following software programs you have used to create interpretive program materials and/or documents (select all that apply):

• iMovie
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Publisher
• Adobe Pro
• SharePoint
• Other
• Canva
• Zoom Meeting
• None of the above

12

For each computer application selected above, please provide the following information: 1) Name of computer application. 2) Description of the interpretive materials and/or documents you have created with the application. You may also add applications not listed above. If none, indicate "N/A".

13

This position requires the ability to work weekends, holidays, and other irregular hours. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

14

This position requires the ability to conform to departmental uniform standards. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

15

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

16

How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Clara

Address 70 W. Hedding Street

8th Floor, East Wing

San Jose, California, 95110

Phone (408) 299-6816

Website http://www.sccjobs.org/