See Parks Interpretive Assistant.

Provides expert program interpretive services and partnerships for assigned interpretive district(s)/area(s) and has the responsibility to develop methods of interpreting cultural, historical, and natural resources and related human history for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.   

This is the expert level of the series. Works under administrative direction. Positions at this level provide expertise and consultation for a broad area of the state with no respect to park regional or park management area boundaries. Positions report to and assist headquarters Interpretive Program staff to develop interpretive opportunities by incorporating interpretive experiences into parks which may not have a dedicated interpretive facility, staff or formal interpretive program or to launch statewide interpretive initiatives. 

Serves as consultant for the Department as well as other State, county, city and community organizations for brochures, promotional, educational and interpretive displays; provides technical expertise in interpretive facility design and layout;  

Recommends design and type of displays in order for the Department to contract for construction; advises the contracting agency on changes in design and inspects finished products to ensure compliance with specification;  

Confers with program staff, architects, display fabricators, contractors, and field staff to assure compliance with the desired interpretive plans, theme and media specifications;   

Provides consultative interpretive services to partners, including other State, county, municipal agencies, and formal non-government organizations (NGOs);   

Coordinates the Planning, design, analysis and implementation of interpretive programs; 

Evaluates effectiveness of interpretive programs;   

Develops and updates cooperative agreements. Participates in agency marketing and revenue generating programs;  

Performs inspections at interpretive facilities and recommends appropriate action for upkeep and changes of existing displays and multi-media;  

Supports field staff performing interpretive functions by providing program guidance; 

Train personnel, including Park Rangers, in interpretation techniques; 

Develop environmental education partnerships and programs; 

Assist in identifying, preserving, cataloging, and recommending restoration of specimens, art objects, and records; 

Coordinates, researches, develops and implements interpretive services; 

Develops and maintains partnerships to market interpretive programs to park visitors and the general public; 

Assist in writing and reviewing contracts and develops grant applications; 

May supervise lower level staff;   

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of:  interpretive techniques as related to interpretive facilities, exhibits, brochures, communication methods; exhibit philosophy, design and production (including audio-visual), printing and digital media processes and research techniques; cost estimating of exhibits, brochures and interpretive facilities.   

Ability to:  develop criteria for interpretive facilities and other facilities, including building requirements and coordination with architects; develop exhibit concepts, including design and supervision of fabrication and installation; advise other agencies, cities, counties, and Parks staff on matters relating to interpretive techniques, facilities, exhibits, and publications.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in history, archeology, anthropology, natural history, historical interpretation or closely allied field. 

AND 

Three years of experience implementing cultural, historical, or natural interpretation programs.  

A Master's degree may be substituted for one year of experience. 

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for education.

New class adopted May 1, 1963.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 2565); adopted July 1, 1991.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 97260), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
Revised salary range, class title, definition, typical work, distinguishing characteristics, knowledge and abilities and desirable qualifications; adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017