Hours: Part-time, seasonal (June-October)
Reports to: Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and National Park Service combined team
Primary location: Crabtree Falls Campground, milepost 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (6 miles from Little Switzerland, N.C., and 24 minutes from Spruce Pine, N.C.); RV site provided for the duration of the agreed commitment
Summary
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is seeking a qualified individual to join a successful and motivated team dedicated to safeguarding the future of the Blue Ridge Parkway as one of the first “Interpreters in Residence.” This is a new program and an exciting opportunity to spend a summer camping in a beautiful Parkway facility while creating meaningful experiences for campground visitors. Crabtree Falls Campground is approximately a one-hour drive north from Asheville, N.C., has 81 campsites including 18 RV sites, and is home to a 70-foot waterfall. Both campers and locals frequent the 2.5-mile loop trail to the Crabtree Falls. The Interpreter in Residence will work closely with National Park Service (NPS) staff and volunteers to create a quality experience for visitors by providing information and assistance in various interpretive forms. Please visit www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm for information about the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Key Responsibilities
This position will augment and expand direct visitor services and interpretation at Crabtree Falls Campground. This individual will be responsible for providing day-to-day visitor information either in addition to or in place of NPS staff. This position will also expand capacity for collaborative interpretive projects and programming between the NPS and Foundation staff. Tasks include providing interpretive opportunities for campers and day users such as demonstrations, campfire programs, guided hikes, and trail roving.
Major Areas of Responsibilities
Work closely with Foundation and NPS staff to:
- Develop and implement interpretive programs, projects, and/or materials including but not limited to guided walks, campfire programs, demonstrations, and roving communication with visitors.
- Assist with demonstrations and programs for park visitors to facilitate connections to the park and its resources.
- Provide routine visitor services including answering often-repetitive questions, providing directions, and assisting with orientation.
- Communicate routinely with Foundation staff, NPS staff including the District Interpreter, on project coordination and daily duties.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in creating and delivering interpretive materials and/or programs.
- Excellent interpersonal (both oral and written) communication skills, including customer service skills.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
- Enthusiasm for the mission-driven work of the Foundation and NPS.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with the cultural and natural resources found in and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team and independently.
- Ability to remain courteous and calm in hectic circumstances.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to practice safety in all aspects of the job.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience and/or training.
- Experience working in or with any of the following:
- National Park Service
- Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
- Environmental, arts, music, or cultural heritage programs
- Visitor or tourism service industry field
- Experience teaching or serving as an interpreter.
- Experience or familiarity with providing visitor information and education.
Hours: Part-time, seasonal (minimum 10-15 hours per week, 6-week commitment required between June-October); weekend hours; evening hours likely on weekends; must be willing to adapt weekly work schedule on occasion.
Special considerations: Candidates must be willing to interact with the public and follow CDC-recommended precautions related to COVID-19.
Stipend: A stipend will be provided in addition to covering any job-related expenses.
To Apply: Send a cover letter and résumé to cward(at)brpfoundation.org. Applications submitted through a job search engine will NOT be accepted. This position is open until filled.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation aspires to be an inclusive organization that engages and serves the rich dimensions of diversity, such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, age, ability, and religion. Diverse people make the Foundation a stronger, more vibrant, more relevant, and more stable organization, better prepared to achieve its mission through diverse input and more effective outcomes. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.