Seasonal Interpretive Specialist - Mounds State Park

Company: State of Indiana
Location: Anderson
Posted on: May 21, 2023

Job Description:

Work for Indiana

Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana's communities every day.

At the State of Indiana, we don't just talk about diversity and inclusion - Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to interview and to perform the essential functions of a role.

About Mounds State Park:

Mounds State Park features 10 unique earthworks built by prehistoric Indians known as the Adena-Hopewell people. The largest earthwork, the Great Mound, is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. Archaeological surveys indicate the mounds were used as gathering places for religious ceremonies and viewing astronomical alignments. Mounds State Park is a stop on the Indiana Birding Trail. Other activities include camping, fishing, and hiking.

Role Overview:

The Seasonal Property Interpretive Specialist provides customer service and education to visitors about park features and historical sites. Specialists may assist with conducting operations such as admission tickets, product sales, and rentals. You must be comfortable with public speaking and demonstrate effective communication skills. Interpretive Specialists should seek opportunities to engage guests and manage large crowds when necessary. To ensure consistency of message, you will be required to attend a training session to learn about property features.

A Day in the Life:

Seasonal Property Interpretive Specialists perform duties according to the following roles:

Naturalist Aides educate the park guests about nature center programming, local/common flora and fauna, and local/common animal species. Naturalist Aides assist with the development and presentation of displays, brochures, monthly activities and/or media releases. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of flora and fauna, and the care of nature center animal species. These Interpretive Specialists are also required to assist in the care of animals (feeding, watering, and bedding changes) and the general maintenance of the nature center.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistants educate the general public on natural resource programming such as guided hikes, talks and crafts. Rehabilitation Assistants provide care for resident hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, vultures, snakes and turtles used in educational programming. This role assists in the care of injured and orphaned birds of prey, responds to calls about found injured raptors, and assists in the care and propagation of the feeder rodent population.

Village Workers educate the general public on period appropriate trades, techniques and crafts while presenting cultural history programming to visitors. Each worker educates on specific trades; however, they may be asked to fill in for other posts. These Interpretive Specialists may be asked to assist with craft sales in the Village Mercantile and the general maintenance of village property. Trades presented and educated upon in the village include:

• Woodworking (may include coppering education)
• Leatherworker
• Broom Maker
• Blacksmith
• Weaver (ability to use a two-pedal loom is necessary)
• Miller (ability to operate grist mill machinery and bag products is necessary)
  
  Cave Tour Guides educate the general public on the natural history of caves. Tour Guides assist with scheduling reservations and collect tour fees. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of relevant flora and fauna. Depending on the property, boat tours may be available and Tour Guides are expected to maintain boats, equipment and the registration shed.
  
  The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
  
  What You'll Need for Success:
  
  Candidates shall have a high school diploma or GED or one (1) year of work experience. A valid driver's license is required.
  
  Required skills and abilities:
  
  • This role should expect to work afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Individuals may experience working in potentially inclement weather.
  • Individual may be required to wear a DNR provided uniform.
  • Individuals may experience working directly with offenders.
    
    Preferred abilities and skills include:
    
    • Skill in public speaking and effective written communication
    • Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
    • Ability to traverse uneven terrain and stand for long periods of time
    • Ability to carry out assignments with general instruction and limited supervision.
      
      Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
      
      This role does not provide direct supervision to direct reports.
      
      Salary:
      
      This seasonal position pays $13.25 per hour.
      
      Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
      
      This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period
      
      Equal Employment Opportunity:
      
      The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
      
      Current Employee? Click here to apply.

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