Job Description
The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking applicants for the position of Visitor Services Supervisor.
This Visitor Services Supervisor, implements, monitors and conducts interpretive, recreational and environmental education programs at the Roxbury Heritage State Park within the Boston Region. The position is responsible for setting planning, developing and implementing the visitor services and interpretive experience at Roxbury Heritage State Park. The incumbent is charged with developing and guiding the implementation of agency approved interpretive themes and ensuring that all programs offered by DCR staff or partners support these site specific themes.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
-Plans, implements, monitors and conducts interpretive, recreational and environmental education programs and public information services to promote the history and significance of the Dillaway-Thomas House and Roxbury; designs and implements the installation of interpretive trails and walks, print materials, media productions, temporary exhibits and displays adhering to DCR interpretive protocols and best practices
-Provides routine supervision of Visitor Services and Park interpreters including managing shift schedule, and review and evaluation of program research, content and delivery and related print materials.
-Identifies and promote opportunities for collaboration with community, regional and national partners to enhance programming and shared stewardship of the Roxbury Heritage State Park.
-Oversees Visitor Services and provides training and mentoring to all facility operations staff, volunteers and partners as well as coordinating to provide programs that support the park specific themes established by DCR.
-Assist Staff Archaeologist in the implementation of public archaeology programs including processing of artifacts, updating collections, rotating exhibits and curriculum development.
-Responsible for daily supervision of programs and tours, staffing the Visitor Center/office, roving informal interpretation, assisting with partner and community events, and other various duties as assigned.
-Promotes and publicizes the interpretive, recreational and environmental education programs at the Roxbury Heritage State Park and at other DCR properties through recreational advisories, social media, flyers, and input information into the DCR website/ program calendar in accord with DCR policy and interpretive protocols; speaks to civic groups, clubs etc. regarding agency activities and programs. Develop and maintains public information material on bulletin boards and kiosks.
-Supports content development and review of large interpretive signage and exhibit projects and follows DCR interpretive protocols.
-Performs routine maintenance on exhibits, interpretive trails and walks; inspects buildings, trails and work to ensure cleanliness and safety.
-Trains and evaluates employees and volunteers in the skills and techniques of interpretation, environmental education and recreation programs; researches and prepares materials such as curriculum guides, brochures, pamphlets, maps, etc. for public distribution in written digital format, audio and video format as appropriate.
-Develops long range program plans with interpretive services and park operations; prepares and submits program budget requirements and assists in the formulation of management plans for state forests, parks, heritage parks and reservations.
-Performs related duties such as preparing correspondence and reports, maintains a reference library; and develops and maintains records and files.
-Schedules, coordinates and facilitates school and group field trip scheduling. Develop and maintain school/group program communications and evaluations. Develop school/group program curriculum, pre and post visits curriculum materials and maintain school/group contact database that promote and highlight the significance of the Dillaway Thomas House and Roxbury.
-Builds on existing research, develops, and records comprehensive Interpretive Program Outlines and Program Narrative Forms.
-Prepares property specific and general interpretive program reports as required (usually on a weekly, monthly, and end of season basis).
-Coordinates with Community Groups for special events that support DCR's interpretive goals, as well as working with other park partners, local non-profits, volunteers, as well as additional stakeholders and agencies.
-Conducts ongoing community outreach for interpretive programs and coordinates interpretive programs at special events.
-Assists with operation's needs (clean bathrooms, sell passes, answer phones, tidying Visitor Center areas and keeping exhibits clean and operational)
-Organizes and administers Community Gallery exhibits/exhibitions and Community Room reservations including schedules, communications, administrative paperwork.
-Attends agency meetings including but not limited to regional meetings, monthly statewide interpretive meetings, seasonal meetings and professional development workshops.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE
-Knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of park interpretation.
-Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational programming.
-Knowledge of the methods and techniques for designing and developing interpretive exhibits and guided self-guided tours.
-Knowledge of the principles of public relations.
-Knowledge of methods and techniques for designing media productions, brochures and displays.
-Knowledge of the history of Roxbury.
-Knowledge of flora, fauna, geology and natural and cultural history of Massachusetts
-Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental education
-Ability to understand and apply the techniques of first aid and CPR.
-Ability to understand and apply the principles and practices of educational psychology.
-Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
-Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
-Ability to write clearly and concisely.
-Ability to speak clearly and effectively to groups of all ages.
-Ability to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
-Ability to read, interpret and explain such documents as maps, charts and specifications.
-Ability to prepare and use charts, graphs and tables.
-Ability to assemble items of information according to established procedures.
-Ability to establish rapport with others.
-Ability to stimulate public interest in assigned unit activities.
-Ability to exercise sound judgement.
-Ability to operate audiovisual equipment such as movie projectors, handheld electronic devices, LCD, sound systems and related media technology.
-Ability to conduct training or instruction
-Ability to read, understand and explain Massachusetts history, with a concentration on Roxbury history.
-Ability to use materials and supplies used in the graphic arts.
-Ability to use the tools and equipment related to park maintenance.
-Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
-Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and or evaluations; determining subordinates training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.
-Ability to work with audiences of all ages, including pre-school age children, families, adults, seniors, as well as school groups and people with disabilities.
-Ability to work with partners, additional stakeholders and agencies.
-Ability to work outside for long periods of time, talk to large groups of people, lead park tours and hikes up to 3 miles in length and climb stairs (as necessary).
-Must be able to work as part of a team with other DCR staff.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
-Bilingual or multilingual speakers are desired.
-Knowledge of the community and ability and willingness to coordinate with programming partners.
-Experience working with inner city youth.
-Possession of a current and valid Class C motor vehicle operator's license and have access to a vehicle.
-Weekends, holidays and some evening shifts will be required to meet the visitor and program needs of the park.
Preferred: Certification of Interpretive Guide and Host, National Association of Interpretation.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience, administering, supervising or conducting interpretive, educational or recreational programs in a public, non-profit or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required (A) experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in park and/or recreation management, natural sciences, environmental education, history, park interpretation or museum management may be substituted for the required (A) experience.
Special Requirements: None.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.