Nature of Work Parks and Recreation/Watoga State Park Under the supervision of the Watoga Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, employee in this position will serve as the Park Naturalist/Activities Coordinator for Beartown State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Greenbrier River Trail, and Watoga State Park. Employee will plan and conduct a variety of year-round activities and events to provide guests and visitors of all ages a memorable and enjoyable experience at Beartown, Droop Mountain Battlefield, Greenbrier River Trail, and Watoga State Parks to spend time outdoors, interpret nature, and learn about history. Employee researches, plans, and prepares material for a variety of naturalist and recreational programs including programs that encourage or require the utilization of state park facilities to increase park attendance and revenues. Employee schedules and hosts weekly planned programs for the general public and park guests such as nature hikes, outdoor cooking, park tours, historical interpretive tours at Droop Mountain Battlefield, Beartown flora and fauna tours, etc. Employee will work with a variety of park guests, organizations, and groups to ensure that a wide range of recreational amenities and activities are available during their stay. Employee coordinates, plans, and assists with all planned activities including special events, races, weddings, reenactments, festivals, reunions, parties, lodging packages, etc. Employee will develop and plan a variety of activities at the areas listed above coordinating all entertainment, events, lodging requirements, and food components. Employee will work closely with park staff to coordinate details to ensure success of all planned activities. Employee will perform environmental and historical based education programs for school groups in the classroom or at the areas listed above during career days, health fairs, field trips, etc. Employee will curate and further develop established CCC history museum at Watoga and battle history museum at Droop Mountain. Employee will assist with Watoga park operations as an attendant at the recreation hall, boat docks, campgrounds, and front desk reservation area and will have supervisory duties for part-time summer recreation employees. Employee must have the ability to use oral and written instructions in a clear and concise manner and to effectively prepare written reports and correspondence. Must be skilled in computer use, and knowledge of Kronos, wvOASIS, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail and Reservation/POS system is preferred. Employee maintains a positive attitude while working with large volumes of park guests handling many ongoing programs and activities on a daily basis while dealing with a number of circumstances such as inclement weather, staffing shortages, budgeting, etc. Employee must have the ability to handle all guest complaints in a manner reflecting a positive image for assigned areas. Employee must have knowledge of the State purchasing procedures and obtain State Purchasing Card to procure needed supplies. Employee will be required to exercise considerable discretionary judgement and initiative in managing budget and prioritizing spending. Must be willing to learn of all histories and operations at Beartown, Droop Mountain Battlefield, Greenbrier River Trail, and Watoga State Parks. Employee must have the ability and knowledge to interpret and explain a wide variety of biological and geological features of the areas listed above. Must have knowledge of State laws, park rules and regulations, cabin/campground reservation policies, and other park policies. Employee required to wear assigned park uniforms. Must be licensed or eligible to operate a motor vehicle. Employee performs related work as required. Regular attendance is a requirement of this position. Minimum Qualifications Training: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major or minor in botany, zoology, geology, natural history, recreation, park management, forestry, conservation, or natural science.Substitution: Experience as described below may substitute for the required training on a year-for-year basis.
Experience: One year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in one of the fields listed above.Substitution: Graduate work in the fields of botany, zoology, geology, natural history, recreation, park management, forestry, conservation or other related field may be substituted for the experience.
Benefits
State employment offers a variety of benefits. Click HERE to visit the Division of Personnel's Benefits Page.