Exam Bulletin - State Park Interpreter II

Department of Parks & Recreation

Exam Code: EX-2745

Examination Plans Included:

  • STATE PARK INTERPRETER II - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

STATE PARK INTERPRETER II: $5,179.00 - $6,485.00 per Month

View the STATE PARK INTERPRETER II classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • STATE PARK INTERPRETER II - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2745

For STATE PARK INTERPRETER II, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 9 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02745

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00102827 - STATE PARK INTERPRETER II

Either 1

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a(n) Exhibit Specialist, State Archeologist I, State Historian I, State Park Interpreter I, or State Park Naturalist I, including substantial responsibility for interpretation of State Park programs.

Or 2

Experience: Three years of experience in planning or implementing historical or natural resources interpretive programs involving extensive personal contact with groups and organizations. (Graduate work in interpretation, social sciences, natural sciences, communications, or closely related fields may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a degree in interpretation, social sciences, natural sciences, communications, or closely related fields. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for up to two years of the required education on a year- for-year basis.)

Position Description

00102827 - STATE PARK INTERPRETER II

Plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates major interpretive projects; performs the most difficult research and development of interpretive material; compiles and evaluates interpretive material and develops reports on interpretive projects; reviews and assists in the development of budget requests; develops uniform interpretive standards and provides criteria for standardizing interpretive materials and presentations; assists in the review of State Park development plans as they relate to interpretive activities; represents the Department at meetings and functions with community and professional organizations involving interpretive projects; acts in a lead capacity; trains subordinate staff in interpretive methods and techniques.

Special Personal Characteristics

Willingness to travel throughout the State and to work irregular hours and weekends.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Interpretive theory, techniques, and media
  2. Historical and natural history features and values of the California State Park System
  3. History and natural history of California
  4. Audio- visual and photographic techniques and media
  5. Principles of supervision and training
  6. Administrative practices and procedures
  7. Methods used in preserving and interpreting historical objects and buildings
  8. Museum administration principles
  9. Private and public organizations concerned with historical and natural history interpretive programs in California
Ability to:
  1. Assume leadership and provide creativity in the planning and implementing of interpretive programs for historical and natural history features
  2. Plan and arrange exhibits
  3. Develop innovative solutions to complex interpretive problems
  4. Interpret historical and natural history concepts to the layperson
  5. Motivate, instruct and evaluate others in the techniques of interpretation of historical and natural features
  6. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action
  7. Keep necessary records and writes reports
  8. Communicate effectively

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the STATE PARK INTERPRETER II Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Parks & Recreation

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

State Park Interpreter II Training and Experience Examination Preview

Instructions:
Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question. Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer, your EDUCATION, and/or FORMAL TRAINING COURSES you have completed.

PLEASE NOTE: This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education, training, and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience. All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

Tasks
  1. Conducting research regarding the cultural and/or natural history of an area or site (e.g., trails, historic area, historic buildings, plants and animals, geology, habitats and ecosystems) in order to plan and develop themes and content for successful delivery of interpretive programs (e.g., natural and cultural field trips, environmental and cultural study programs).
  2. Assessing the quality of information (e.g., authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, diverse perspectives) obtained through research by evaluating the source through methods of cross-referencing and verifying the information with experts in the field (e.g., primary sources, historians, subject matter experts).
  3. Identifying physical, biological, or cultural resources (e.g., flora and fauna, archeological collections, significant architecture, community stakeholders) by conducting field work and research in an area that may serve as the subject or setting for interpretive programs.
  4. Developing and/or reviewing interpretive program content or materials (e.g., varied digital content, hand held objects, period attire, narration, handout materials) and synthesizing information gathered from research into a presentation that is thematic, organized, relevant and easily understood by visitors.
  5. Preparing reports to explain and/or present plans, objectives or proposals; and/or summarize information.
  6. Reviewing public feedback collected from various sources (e.g., visitor surveys, reviews, social media, community outreach) to identify trends and/or issues in order to inform the planning, modification, and development of effective interpretive programs.
  7. Performing market research on relevant interpretive, educational, or recreational opportunities (e.g., kayak tours, hikes, museums, distance learning).
  8. Identifying the resources needed (e.g., financial, personnel, materials, facilities, marketing) for implementing new interpretive programs/projects by reviewing or preparing planning documents and/or making recommendations.
  9. Evaluating interpretive program details (e.g., theme, content, materials, available resources, visitor characteristics, ADA considerations) to determine the appropriate format (e.g., walk, site talk, demonstration, virtual tour) to enhance the visitor experience and the program effectiveness, and compile the information into a guiding document.
  10. Developing interpretive media (e.g., publications, bulletin boards, digital media, exhibits, interpretive panels) from information gathered during research using language and images that are relevant, accessible, and easily understood by visitors.
  11. Presenting formal interpretive programs (e.g., natural and cultural field trips, guided tours, public talks, environmental and cultural study programs).
  12. Communicating effectively with members of the public verbally and/or in writing to increase attendance and promote interest in interpretive programs.
  13. Coordinating with local media, organizations, and/or schools to promote special events to the public through advertisements, announcements, presentations, and/or press releases.
  14. Designing informational and/or promotional materials (e.g., flyers, pamphlets, newsletters, brochures, social media, notifications) for events and community engagement purposes.
  15. Preparing various forms and reports utilizing computer programs or web-based software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, volunteer management software).
  16. Maintaining accurate records to track, monitor, and document various program information (e.g., fiscal, park/program data, facilities, attendance, special events) using computer programs or web-based software.
  17. Developing and/or conducting outreach to promote interpretive programs, upcoming events and services to schools and/or various community groups.
  18. Maintaining and creating content for web pages, social media, and/or other applications to update information about interpretive programs, organizational information and special events.

Testing Departments

  • Department of Parks & Recreation

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
Phone: (916) 902-8674

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of Parks & Recreation reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)