$20.90 per hour
Flexible part-time to full-time schedule
Position works mid-May through Labor Day (September 7, 2026)
• Portola Redwoods State Park (housing may be available)
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
• Sunset State Beach
Position Description and Duties:
Seasonal interpreters promote high-quality educational experiences for the public by researching, developing, promoting, and conducting natural and cultural history interpretive programs. These may include virtual programs, nature walks, campfire programs, Junior Ranger programs, living history presentations, roving interpretation, and outreach presentations. Additionally, seasonal interpreters compile interpretive resources and data for job-related duties. Seasonal interpreters may also publicize park programs through news releases and park flyers.
Minimum Qualifications for All Positions:
Must be enthusiastic, organized, responsible, work well with others, and enjoy working with children and adults. Applicant should be able to communicate well verbally and in writing. Must be able to research and develop original natural or cultural historical interpretive programs. Must possess basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, be a self-starter, and work as part of a team. Bilingual Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Apply online! Visit www.calcareers.ca.gov and create an account; then click the following links to view the job listings:
Portola Redwoods and Castle Rock State Parks
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Sunset and Manresa State Beaches
Or MAIL paper resume and completed STD 678 application form to:
Santa Cruz District Office
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Attn: Rhiannon Sims
303 N. Big Trees Park Rd.
Felton CA 95018
Deadline to apply is Friday March 27, 2026.
For more information, please email SCD.Interp@parks.ca.gov or call (831) 278-0195.
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!
 (23).JPG "Campfire Program at Butano State Park")
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, create a Calcareers account and search for senior park aide positions. Because these are classified as seasonal positions, no exam is needed to apply. We recommmend setting up a saved search for senior park aide positions in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties so you recieve email notifications automatically when new positions are posted.
Senior Park Aide (Interpretive) ($20.29-$24.42 per hour)
The Santa Cruz District recruits interpretive senior park aides in early spring, to work during the busy summer season (mid-May through Labor Day in September). Year-round part-time interpretive senior park aide positions are available occasionally. Interpretive senior park aides 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 ($20.76-$24.99 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 meet the minmum required score on the 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, the most qualified candidates on the hiring list who applied for the position will be invited to an interview.
Some exams are only offered every few years while others are continuous file and can be taken online 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.