Background:
The Chesapeake Conservancy is in its second year of providing Bilingual programming at Sandy Point State Park (Sandy Point) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office. Sandy Point sees over 1 million visitors a year, with about 80% of which identify as Spanish speaking. The partnership is supporting community engagement at Sandy Point by hiring Bilingual Interpretive Outreach Assistants to lead programs, connect with visitors, and inspire stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay in both English and Spanish.
The Chesapeake Conservancy is currently accepting applications for two Bilingual Interpretive Outreach Assistants. These positions are based out of Annapolis, Maryland and may require travel throughout the state of Maryland. These positions are seasonal with no benefits.
General Responsibilities:
Successful candidates must be able to communicate with and assist park visitors, work independently in the field and perform various interpretive, educational and administrative duties, including:
• Build relationships and meaningfully engage visitors including Spanish-speaking communities
• Collaborate with naturalists to develop, translate and lead nature programs;
• Provide general customer service and park information to visitors;
• Develop program advertisements and assisting with public relations;
• Communicating in Spanish with visitors to assist Park Rangers with park operations (e.g. beach patrol, search and rescue, traffic control);
• Creating a positive, fun, and safe environment for visitors of all ages and backgrounds by being hospitable, approachable and engaging;
• Initiate conversations with visitors and answering questions to promote curiosity and relevance;
• Engaging visitors with conversation, hands-on activities, stories and other creative pathways that spark a personal connection to the Chesapeake Bay;
• Surveying park visitors;
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled. Shifts may be as long as 12 hours per day. Minimum of 30 hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours per week.
Education: Possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalence certificate.
Experience: Hold solid communication skills in both English and Spanish; have experience working with the public; ability to follow oral and written instructions; and ability to work in a team setting.
Required Qualifications:
• Age 18 or over
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Adherence to all State and Federal laws and safety regulations.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather, resulting in exposure to cold, heat and humidity, rain, wind, direct sunlight, etc.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, climb and descend steps, engage in frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lift up to 30 pounds on a regular basis.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to safely and comfortably drive a large vehicle.
• Availability to work weekends, evening, days and holidays as scheduled.
• Attendance at all required trainings.
• Ability to travel across the state as needed.
• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written)
• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work well on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to accept feedback graciously and integrate it.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently without guidance from supervisors.
• Maintain a neat and clean appearance and wear appropriate issued uniform correctly.
• Must pass criminal background check which includes driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Possess an interest in natural and cultural history.
• Prior interpretation and educational skills.
• Passionate about and/or experience with engaging diverse communities.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO BEING A DIVERSE & WELCOMING WORKPLACE:
The Chesapeake Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, refusal to submit to a genetic test or to make available genetic test results, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Chesapeake Conservancy understands that protecting and restoring the natural and cultural resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed requires intentional commitment to inclusive practices and narratives within the conservation movement. Through our work we celebrate and elevate the people, places, and cultures of the region, especially by engaging underrepresented communities. Committing to the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice is critical to achieve our vision.
