Highlights: One position as paid summer Naturalist/Interpreter to help enhance park visitors experience and understanding of Fort Stevens State Park by developing and delivering interpretive and educational programs. Naturalist/Interpreter Intern will lead and coordinate tours of the Clatsop Indian Longhouse and Battery Russell, provide evening campfire programs, Junior Ranger children’s programs, kayak tours, and other programs for park visitors.

On-site: Housing available at park camping trailer with full hook-ups at no cost.

Typical Schedule: 40 hours per week with 2 consecutive days off, weekends and evenings are required.

Position starts in early June, ends in late August with some flexibility on exact dates.

Desired Attributes: Enthusiastic, self-motivated, creative and great people skills. Computer experience a plus. The ability to present information to park visitors in a clear and concise manner. Enthusiasm for sharing nature and history with the public.

Main Objective: To interpret the park and local area to visitors in an interesting, fun, entertaining and educational way in order to improve the quality of their experience. To educate park users through interpretation to help them understand and appreciate park resources.

Resources: Fort Stevens was the primary military defense installation in the three Fort Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River (Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington were the other two). The fort served for 84 years, beginning with the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II. Today, Fort Stevens has grown into a 3,700 acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and recreational opportunities.

Camping, beachcombing, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, an historic shipwreck and an historic military area make Fort Stevens a uniquely diversified park. A network of nine miles of bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore the park through spruce and hemlock forests, wetlands, dunes, and shore pine. Coffenbury Lake has two swimming areas, a picnic area, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Two other smaller lakes offer boat ramps for fishing and canoeing. Throughout the year, visitors can browse through displays dating back to the Civil War at the museum, visit the only enclosed Civil War earthworks site on the west coast, and explore the gun batteries. During the summer, visitors can watch the blacksmith’s work, tour a rare 90-year old underground gun battery that served as a World War II command center, and take a truck tour of the fortifications spanning the Spanish-American War and World War II

To Apply Applications accepted starting April 4. Send resume and cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest. Be sure to state which park you are interested in applying to and what dates you are available. Interviews to be held in April or May.

Contact: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Attn: James Little

725 Summer St NE, Suite C

Salem OR 97301

503-986-0749

503-986-0792 (fax)

james.little@state.or.us