Careers in Park Interpretation and Outdoor Recreation

Park Interpretation and Outdoor Recreation program is where some would say the fun is. 

The Interpretation and Outdoor Recreation program is committed to engaging others in the protection of parklands for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. They do this by designing and delivering high quality visitor experiences that connect people with parks through a diverse range of activities, exhibits, events, and educational programming for all ages. Park Interpreters reveal little-known history and natural wonders of the parks with thousands of visitors each year while leading hikes, facilitating school field trips, conducting outreach to community groups, and welcoming visitors to cultural venues, such as the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. On any given day, Interpretation staff may be guiding third graders to ancient petroglyphs, taking people on a boat tour through Alviso slough, archiving historic collections, hosting a virtual Junior Ranger program, designing a new Visitor Center exhibit, or training volunteer docents. 

The Outdoor Recreation program invites people to explore the parks in adventurous ways through family-friendly programs like The Pix in Parks Challenge, the Amazing Race, and Bark Rangers. They also collaborate with staff and partners to offer recreation opportunities such as rowing, archery, moonlight paddling events, and even app-based games like the Agents of Discovery. 

Program staff coordinate everything from small museum tours to large events like the annual Fantasy of Lights event with 10,000 people in Vasona Lake County Park on a single night. Want to learn more about upcoming activities? Sign up for the parks’ e-newsletter, follow us on social media, or check out the latest news on the parks calendar.

Listed are Interpretation and Outdoor Recreation positions and linked descriptions.