OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Visitor Experiences Assistant
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Visitor Experiences Assistant
PARK: West Gorge Management Unit
SUPERVISOR’S NAME & TITLE: Glenn Littrell, Park Ranger Supervisor.
ASSISTING: Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, Park Ranger 3
DURATION OF POSITION: May 2016 to September 2016. Approximately 5 months. Start date flexible.
WORK HOURS/SCHEDULE:
The Visitor Experiences Assistant will work 5 days / 40 hours per week. 2 consecutive days off. Weekends,
holidays, and evenings will be required.
SALARY: $12.35 hourly, $2173.00 monthly
WORK SPACE PROVIDED AND JOB SITE(S):
Work Space:
 The VE Assistant will work out of Rooster Rock State Park. There is office space in the Interpretive shed as well
as the Main Office. Both spaces are shared with the other seasonal staff – a permanent employee will be
available daily for questions and guidance.
 The VE Assistant will share a desk as well have access to a park computer, office equipment such as a telephone,
fax, copier, printer, scanner, digital camera, projector, voice amplification devices.
 The individual will have access to the Internet, the OPRD email system, and the OPRD network drives as well as
an email address.
 Rooster Rock has an interpretive and education resource library for the VE assistant to use in research and
program development.
 A campground gathering area for educational programs and an office space for meetings.
 For transportation needs, the interpretive naturalist has access to a gator and a park truck – operation/safety
training is provided for both. All vehicles are shared.
 The VE assistant will have access to a cell phone for communication with park staff.
Reporting Job Site: Rooster Rock State Park, 1 NE Rooster Rock Rd (I-84 Exit 25), Corbett, OR 97019.
 Will also work at Vista House, Ainsworth State Park, and Oregon State Parks along the Historic Columbia River
Highway between Troutdale and The Dalles. Will participate in off-site events in the Gorge area.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
This position will focus on providing a variety of visitor experience opportunities relating to the Centennial of the Historic
Columbia River Highway.
The primary work objectives of this position are to:
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS & EVENTS: Strengthen partnerships with the local community and promote the
HCRH Centennial by attending numerous outreach events in these communities with an HCRH educational
display. To date:
 Parades to promote 100th Anniversary of HCRH
• Troutdale Summer Festival, Corbett Fun Festival, Rose Festival
 HCRH Traveling Display at Outreach Events
• Troutdale Summer Fest, National Night Out, National Get Outdoors Day, Back to School
Night, Portland schools, PCT Days at Cascade Locks
VISITOR CONTACTS: Increase visitors’ awareness of the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Gorge
through roving interpretation at Vista House and various West Gorge parks.
EVENTS: Support Gorge special events. Act as a lead in organizing and executing those that relate to the
HCRH Centennial and are in partnership with OPRD. To date:
 June 7, 2016: Reinactment of the designation of the Highway in 1916.
 July 23, 2016: FoHCRH Antique Auto Tour, Troutdale to The Dalles
 August 27, 2016: HCRH 100th Anniversary event at Portland Women’s Forum
 September, 2016: Opening of the new segment of the HCRH State Trail
INTERPRETATION: Provide formal interpretive programs in the West Gorge on the Historic Columbia River
Highway at campgrounds, at Vista House, and off-site.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Provide environmental education in the West Gorge by promoting the
OPRD Jr. Ranger Passport Program and the new HCRH Junior Ranger activity book. Develop and deliver a
new HCRH Junior Ranger program that can be used in the campground and with school groups.
FRIENDS COOPERATION: Deepen the cooperation with the Friends of Vista House by working alongside
their volunteers to tell the HCRH story and participating in partnership-organized events.
VOLUNTEERS: Support the West Gorge volunteers by working directly with Park Hosts and individual
volunteers to provide interpretive programs and roving interpretation.
OUTDOOR SKILLS: Increase visitor safety and participation in outdoor skills by serving as the liaison for the
Gorge’s 1st Let’s Go Camping program and teaching Let’s Go outdoor skills.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Improve the Gorge’s social media presence by writing and posting for the blog and
Instagram account. Focus on the HCRH—Remember, Restore, Reconnect, Revel.
Regular Duties
 One HCRH Junior Ranger youth program per week.
 One HCRH evening interpretive program per week.
 HCRH roving interpretation, visitor services at Vista House and elsewhere 3+ times per week.
 Two HCRH Centennial community outreach events per month.
 One “Let’s Go Camping” event with an HCRH program.
 One HCRH special event per month.
 Two social media posts to the blog and Instagram per month—focus on the HCRH.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Skills, Education, and Experience REQUIRED:
 Candidate must pass a criminal background check and possess a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving
record.
 Candidate must demonstrate strong communication skills, be able to speak effectively before groups, and
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interact constructively with co-workers and visitors.
Candidate must have skills in effective speaking, writing, and listening. Ability to organize thoughts and
information logically and explain them clearly are essential.
Self-motivation, initiative, reliability, organization, and professionalism are all essential.
Candidate must have a basic knowledge of computer software, word processing, email, spreadsheets, and
Internet navigation.
Candidate must be willing to wear the OPRD park ranger uniform.
Candidate must be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Skills, Education, and Experience PREFERRED:
 Prior work or volunteer experience in the field of interpretation and/or environmental education.
 Experience with parks, visitor centers, and volunteer groups.
 Skills in developing and delivering interpretive programs and products.
 Skills in practices relating to the conservation, preservation, and protection of natural and cultural resources.
 Skills in organizing and giving direction and guidance to volunteers.
 Current or past undergraduate studies in biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies,
environmental education, natural history interpretation, history, or a related field.
 Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.
 National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification or equivalent.
TIMELINE FOR ORIENTATION, TRAINING, COACHING, MENTORING, AND EVALUATION:
Visitor Experience Program Assistants will receive a thorough employee orientation and written position expectations
from lead workers. Specialized training may be provided in interpretive skills, volunteer management, safety modules,
and Verbal Judo. Project and task-specific on-the-job training provided as needed. Ongoing review and mentoring will
be provided by supervisor and other team members. A final evaluation and exit interview will be provided at the end of
the season.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:
Telephone, cellphone
Printer, scanner, fax, copier
Props from Interpreters’ Closet
Interpretive library books and resources
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Laptop
Digital camera
InFocus projector
DVD/VCR
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Maintenance equipment as needed: Hand tools, litter sticks, trash bags, hand & power tools, vehicles, gators
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TO APPLY:
Send a resume and cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest. Be sure to state the dates you are
available.
CONTACT:
Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, Park Ranger 3
Rooster Rock State Park | PO Box 100, I-84 Exit 25 |Corbett, OR 97019
503-695-2261, x228
dorothy.brown-kwaiser@oregon.gov