Seasonal Park Interpreter (Walden Pond Reservation)

Position:  Park Interpreter

Location: Walden Pond State Reservation

Start Date:  11/8/26

End Date:  3/13/27 (18 weeks)

Work Hours: 40 hours - THUR-MON, 9:00AM-5:30PM, TU, WED OFF

# of positions: 1 

Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.

Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting.  Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

Who We Are: 

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer: 

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all.  The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission. 

Job Opening: 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for Seasonal Park Interpreter - Walden Pond State Reservation (2026 Fall/2027 Winter, North) to perform the following duties:

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Visitor Services Supervisor, the Park Interpreter will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Perform various interpretive, educational and administrative tasks including answering telephones, emails, reporting visitation data, and updating park messaging and alerts online and on the park grounds.  

• Staff an information desk/kiosk, provide visitor information and orientation, research, develop and present a variety of interpretive programs that reflect the natural, cultural and historical themes of the park. 

• Assist in the coordination, promotion, set up and take down of special events and programs independently or in partnership with other public or private organizations is required. 

• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance on exhibits, interpretive trails, and walks, etc. inspects Visitor Center spaces, trails, and works to ensure cleanliness and safety.

• Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years old, possess a basic knowledge of natural and/or cultural history, have experience working with the public, hold solid communications skills, have the ability to follow oral and written instructions, and the ability to work in a team setting.

• Must have a current valid driver's license.

• Must have reliable transportation to and from DCR assigned work locations and non-DCR sites.

• Required to wear an official uniform.

• Uniforms components are provided.

• Housing is not provided by DCR.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applicants must have the ability to lift 40 lbs. 

• Applicants must have the ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

• Applicants must have the ability to work in conditions that are occasionally cold, wet, and rainy. 

• Ability to hike and navigate uneven, unpaved, or steep terrain outdoors for distances ranging from 1 to 5 miles per day.  

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in interpreting, recreation programming or environmental education in a public or private agency, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in recreation or park management, park interpretation, recreation programming or environmental education may be substituted for the required experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Tell us about a friend who might be interested in this job. All privacy rights will be protected.

Apply for a Job
Apply for a Job for JAWS Users
Create a Profile
System Requirements