Santa Cruz District Jobs
Full-time, permanent position
Competitive benefits package including medical and retirement
Position Description and Duties:
California State Parks is seeking a compassionate and enthusiastic educator to join our interpretation team at Wilder Ranch State Park. This position's reporting location is just minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and has it all: a historic ranch, rugged ocean cliffs and pocket beaches, and miles of backcountry trails for hiking, biking, or horseriding.
This position will engage in public outreach and engagement with the intent to inspire K-12 audiences to discover and strengthen their relationship with California’s public outdoor spaces. In addition, this position will plan, facilitate, and evaluate deep and meaningful learning experiences both virtually and in person with k-12 students. Skill and experience in public education, volunteer coordination, event planning, digital media creation, and community outreach with underrepresented communities are strongly desired.
Visit the job posting announcement for more details.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the State Park Interpreter I exam bulletin to be eligible:
1. One year of experience in research and development of historical or natural resource interpretive programs
2. Equivalent to graduation from college with major work 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.)
Applicants should also be enthusiastic, organized, responsible, appreciate the outdoors, and enjoy working with children and adults. Applicant should be able to communicate well and work as part of a team. Knowledge of California’s natural and cultural history, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and familiarity with Google Suite is desired. Cultural and linguistic proficiency preferred but not required (Spanish, Mixtec, Zapoteco, Triqui).
How to Apply:
Create an account on www.calcareers.ca.gov. Complete a CalCareers' application/resume form. Take the online State Park Interpreter I exam on the CalCareers website. Then visit the job posting announcement on the Calcareers website to apply online or via mail.
Deadline to apply is March 19, 2024.
For more information about the position, please contact Jordan Burggess at Jordan.Burgess@parks.ca.gov or (831) 601-6602.
What is an interpreter?
A California State Parks interpreter creates educational programs for state park visitors that interpret the natural, historical, and cultural significance of our most precious resources. Interpreters help park visitors understand, appreciate, and enjoy our state parks. Learn more about the importance of interpretation in California State Parks.
What's the difference between an Interpreter I, II, and III? Read the job descriptions below:
Interpreter I
Interpreter II
Interpreter III
Watch a recording of a local "How to Become an Interpreter" workshop! Get tips from State Park interpreters and Recruitment team members on how to navigate the State Parks permanent employee hiring process, including taking the Interpreter I and II exams.
Before applying for permanent interpreter positions, you must take a self-assessment-style exam. Interpreter exams are now offered as "continous file." This means you may take the exam any time that is convenient for you.
View the Interpreter I Exam Bulletin (includes link to take exam)
View the Interpreter II Exam Bulletin (includes link to take exam)
To take exams and apply for permanent positions, you must create a CalCareer account. Once you have created an account, you can set up notifications for job opportunities by logging in and clicking one of the links below to see current open position results. Then click the "save search" button on the CalCareer website and follow the prompts to receive regular email notifications.
Interpreter I Open Positions
Interpreter II Open Positions
If you don't meet the minimum qualifications yet for a permanent interpreter position, consider applying to be a seasonal interpreter or volunteer to gain more experience!
Why Work for State Parks?
The Santa Cruz District of California State Parks includes parks along the coast from Watsonville to Daly City and parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, some of the most beautiful places in the state to work and recreate in. And the connections you make here will last a lifetime.
Whether your interest is in preserving California’s rich cultural history, its natural resources, or providing access to all, you can accomplish it at State Parks with the support of a diverse network committed to your success.
How to Apply
The job application process with California State Parks depends on whether you are interested in a seasonal or permanent position.
State Parks relies upon the hard work of seasonal employees, and a seasonal position is a great way to begin a career with State Parks. To apply for a seasonal position in the Santa Cruz District, submit a resume with a standard state application form (STD678) to the contact listed on the job announcement.
Seasonal Interpreter ($17.49 to $19.32 per hour)
The Santa Cruz District recruits seasonal interpreters in early spring, to work during the summer (mid-May through Labor Day in September). Year-round part-time seasonal interpreter positions are available occasionally. Interpreters provide high quality educational experiences for the public by researching, developing, promoting, and conducting natural and cultural history programs. Learn more about the importance of interpretation in California State Parks.
For more information, email SCD.Interp@parks.ca.gov
Senior Maintenance Aide ($17.15 to $19.34 per hour)
Seasonal Senior Maintenance Aides perform various tasks necessary to ensure that public health and safety standards are maintained including:
• Cleaning of public use facilities: campsites, showers, restrooms, litter pick-up, emptying charcoal and wood ashes from campfire rings and BBQ grills.
• Performing landscape maintenance including mowing, trimming, and removing organic from landscaped and natural areas, including campgrounds and day use areas.
• Operating a variety of vehicles and equipment including: 1-ton trucks, blowers, weed whackers and other small engines. May assist with chainsaw and chipping operation.
• Performing unskilled tasks associated with facility maintenance such as: carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, masonry, roofing and other projects in various facilities.
For more information, call (831) 335-6318 or email SCD.Maintenance@parks.ca.gov
Visitor Service Aide
To apply and for more information, visit www.thatsmypark.org/jobs
Most permanent jobs require list eligibility. To ensure you are eligible for hire, take an exam. If you score at a certain percentage or higher (typically 70%) on this self-assessment survey-style exam, you will be placed on the hiring list. When an open position is advertised, you can then apply for it. After the application period closes, competitive hiring interviews are offered based on your rank on the hiring list.
Some exams are only offered every few years while others are continuous file and can be taken at any time. Create a CalCareers account to take an exam and apply for permanent positions
Learn more about careers with California State Parks.
Read "3 Steps to a State Job" for more details on the application process.