Parks Interpretive Specialist ; Moran State Park Seasonal

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Job Title:

Parks Interpretive Specialist 1

Location:

Olga, WA

Closes:
January 29th, 2026, at 5:00 P.M.

Park Housing is available for this position at a subsidized cost.

Position Status:
This is a permanent career seasonal position. If hired, you would return to the same park each year for the duration of the season. Season dates are from 4/1 - 9/30. Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what’s listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee healthcare benefits eligibility visit Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB).

Under the direction of park management and the lead interpretive specialist, this position provides professional level interpretive services at Moran and Obstruction Pass State Parks on Orcas Island.

This position is not eligible to telework, as physical on-site presence is required to perform essential functions.

The San Juan archipelago north of Puget Sound is like no other place on earth. The cluster of 400 islands and rocks in the heart of the Salish Sea is a world unto itself. Within this watery haven, 16 Washington State Parks welcome locals and visitors to moor, dock, hike, kayak, camp, sightsee and just be on their beautiful shores.

Four San Juan Islands and four State Parks are accessible by car on a Washington State Ferry. Park goers can access a few of the additional 12 Marine Island State Parks by commercial water taxi or private boat. The auto-accessible parks are Moran (Orcas), Lime Kiln Point (San Juan), Spencer Spit (Lopez) and Obstruction Pass (Orcas).

The ideal candidate will have the ability to engage visitors with the unique natural environment, rich history, and cultural stories of Moran State Park and the San Juan Islands. If you have a love for nature, history, and people, this is the right position for you!

• Responsible for the implementation of the site interpretive master plan and programs for Moran & Obstruction Pass State Parks.
• Coordinates and delivers interpretive programs such as guided walks, roving narration, pop-ups, presentations, and Junior Ranger programs for park visitors, schools, and tour groups.
• Assists supervisor with day-to-day operations and management of the Moran State Park Summit Visitor Center, working in conjunction with the Friends of Moran for interpretive topics and presence.
• Assists with public outreach to local partners, schools, and non-profit organizations.
• May act as a liaison in assisting other park areas with coordinating, supporting, and consulting on interpretive activities and programs.
• Independently operates Park vehicles.
• Researches and develops thematic interpretive and educational programs in support of the Interpretive Master Plan and parks educational opportunities.
• Provides technical interpretive expertise for internal and external exhibits, interpretive media publications, brochures, panels, signage, and other educational materials, as directed.
• Assists with curator activities for identification, preservation, and cataloging of historic artifacts, geologic specimens, interpretive collections, relevant records, and library resources for use in interpretive programming and exhibits.
• Maintains interpretive exhibits, collections, and related facilities/structures, such as interpretive trails, kiosks, and information bulletin boards and ensures they are safe and cleaned.
• Provides a range of customer service needs including orientation to park resources and facilities, interpretive opportunities, and other outdoor recreation learning amenities.
• Markets interpretive services and special events within the Park Area and assists with scheduling of services.
• Maintains operational reports required for business practice reviews and interpretive statistics.
• Educates park visitors on rules and regulations that govern activities within the park.

• Option 1:
  Four (4) years’ experience in historic preservation, historic or natural science research, or interpretation AND a valid unrestricted (except for corrective lenses) driver’s license.
• Option 2: A bachelor’s degree involving major study in…