PARK INTERPRETER

Seasonal Park Interpreters

Salary:                  $15.33/hour

Requisition:        46461

Location:              various Arkansas State Parks

Closing date:      Until Filled

This position helps park visitors have memorable experiences in state parks and form meaningful connections to the beauty and history of Arkansas through outdoor recreation. The position will research, promote, and present formal and informal outdoor programs that may include guided hikes, amphitheater talks, kayak and boat tours, resource-focused recreational activities, outdoor historic site tours, curriculum-based school programs, and programs for local communities. The position also assists with park operations duties as assigned, to include answering phones, camper registration, retail sales, answering visitor questions, and assisting with housekeeping and maintenance. Specific tasks and interpretive program topics vary by site.

Positions will be filled at various locations around the state (specific locations listed below). Positions range in duration from 3 to 9 months. Positions begin March, April, or May and last through summer or fall depending on duration. Actual work schedules vary by park and season. All positions are considered extra-help (part-time), but employees can expect a 35–40-hour work week during peak visitation season (peak varies by location). Housing is provided at some parks but is not guaranteed.

Valid driver’s license required. Must pass driving record and criminal background check. Must have physical condition sufficient to work outdoors on uneven terrain, and sometimes under strenuous conditions. Must be able to work a non-standard schedule, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings. A mandatory, 4-day, paid interpretation skills training class is provided.  

Minimum qualifications are at least two years of college education in a degree plan majoring in natural science, park interpretation, communications, park administration, history, education, forestry, or a related field.

Preferred qualifications are relevant work or volunteer experience, documented experience in public speaking and writing, coursework in interpretive methods, and a working knowledge of Arkansas natural/cultural history. At parks with lakes and rivers, experience and strong skills in swimming, boating, and kayaking are preferred.

Virtual, online interviews with qualified, selected applicants will be held.

At this time, we expect to have multiple positions available at various locations statewide, tentative list below (subject to change as positions are filled). Note: some parks may rehire eligible, returning employees from the previous season. Contact our Personnel office, Program Services office, or specific park Superintendents if you have questions about the availability of parks’ positions, season dates, and housing. You can specify your location preferences on the application and during the interview process if selected to interview. See list on next page.  

We are an EOE/AA/ADA employer.  Employees (Internal)  https://www.transform.ar.gov/personnel/arcareers/

Non-State Employee Applicants (External) https://arcareers.arkansas.gov/

2025 Seasonal Park Interpreter Positions

• Cossatot, (Wickes, AR - southwest Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Daisy, (Kirby, AR - southwest Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Devil’s Den, (West Fork, AR – north central, Ark.): 9 months | no housing available
• Lake Fort Smith, (Mountainburg, AR  - northwest Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, (Perryville, AR – central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Mount Magazine, (Paris, AR- central Ark.): 9 months | no housing available
• Mount Nebo, (Dardanelle, AR - western Ark.): 9 months | no housing available
• Petit Jean, (Morrilton, AR - central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Pinnacle, (Little Rock, AR - central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Woolly Hollow, (Greenbrier, AR - central Ark.): 9 months | housing available
• Village Creek, (Wynne, AR – east Ark.): 9 months | housing available at nearby park
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• Delta Heritage Trail, (West Helena, AR – eastern Ark.): 6 months | housing available
• Lake Charles, (Powhatan, AR - northeast Ark.): 6 months | housing available
• Lake Frierson, (Jonesboro, AR - northeast Ark.): 6 months | no housing available
• Mississippi River, (Marianna, AR – eastern Ark.): 6 months | housing available
• Queen Wilhelmina, (Mena, AR – western Ark.): 6 months | housing available

• DeGray Lake, (Bismarck, AR - southwest Ark.): 3 months | no housing available 
• Lake Ouachita, (Mountain Pine, AR - southwest Ark.): 3 months | housing available
• Petit Jean, (Morrilton, AR - central Ark.): 3 months | housing available

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.