Seasonal Interpretive Ranger (SIR)
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Seasonal Interpreter/Recreator (SIR)
Division of Tennessee State Parks, Bureau of Parks and Conservation
Salary: $10.47/Hour for 37.5 Hour Week
Period of Employment: May 10 to Late August/Labor Day
Housing provided at most sites
Positions located at various Tennessee State Parks and in the central office in Nashville
Internships accepted
Interviews begin in January and February
This position is seasonal and term limited
About the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
The department is responsible for:
- Safeguarding the health and safety of Tennessee citizens from environmental hazards;
- Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s land, air, and water, and
- Managing the system of 56 Tennessee State Parks and 85 Natural Areas
TDEC has approximately 2,900 employees working across Tennessee supported by a total budget of more than $300 million with funding from dedicated fees and state parks revenue, federal sources, and the state general fund. The department is the chief environmental and natural resource regulatory agency in Tennessee with delegated responsibility from the U.S. EPA to regulate sources of air pollution, radiological health issues, solid and hazardous waste, underground storage tanks, water pollution, water supply, and groundwater pollution. TDEC has eight (8) regional offices across the state serving as the primary point of contact for their respective regions.
Summary & Distinguishing Features
Seasonal Interpreter/Recreators (SIRs) provide interpretive programs for park guests such as guided tours, hikes, workshops, canoe floats, slide shows, demonstrations, campfires and other outdoor activities. They assist park rangers in the protection of natural and cultural features, and other resource management-related activities as assigned. SIRs work with park rangers to ensure that park facilities, buildings, grounds and equipment are secure, and assist with inspection and maintenance. Additional duties include general administrative responsibilities including writing reports, maintaining records, and scheduling, delegating and executing work assignments.
Duties and Essential Functions
Seasonal Interpreter/Recreators (SIRs) primary responsibilities include:
- Providing interpretive programs
- Resource management activities
- General administrative tasks
Competencies
- Personality and communication skills conducive to work in public service required
- Candidate must be a self-starter and able to complete tasks with minimal supervision
- Sound knowledge or willingness to learn about the natural and cultural history of the park area
- Strong writing skills to organize park information, complete reports, generate interpretive program outlines and respond to requests for park information
- A valid vehicle operator license required
- Desirable but not required certifications: CPR, Advanced First Aid, or First Responder
- Good physical condition: ability to do much hiking, climbing and carrying; ability to perform responsibly under emergency situations
Qualifications
At a minimum, the applicant must be a sophomore by credit hours working toward an undergraduate degree in general life sciences, forestry, wildlife, geology, history, anthropology/archaeology, environmental science, park administration and natural resource-based recreation. Additional degrees will be considered along with relevant experience. Coursework in outdoor leadership and/or wilderness skills is supportive and desirable but not mandatory. If selected for an interview, the applicant is required to have a copy of his current college/university transcript and a completed State of Tennessee employment application.
Candidates must have a valid Tennessee Boaters License by the time of employment at a Tennessee State Park. Candidates are strongly encouraged to have a First Aid and/or CPR/AED certification.
Candidates appointed must pass a criminal background check.
All interested candidates should submit resume and cover letter to:
East Tennessee Parks – Meg Guy – meg.guy@tn.gov
Middle Tennessee Parks – Katie Wisniewski – 615-934-1553 – katie.wisniewski@tn.gov
West Tennessee Parks – David Haggard – 901-258-3147 – david.haggard@tn.gov
For additional information contact:
Nancy C. Dorman, Program Manager
Tennessee State Parks
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN, 37243
nancy.dorman@tn.gov
TDEC is an AA/EEO/ADA equal opportunity employer