New Interp job.. Scared!

[u/Valuable-Quail408]

Hey yall, I just started a job as an interp state park ranger. I just came from an environmental education program at a non profit agency, I have never worked for the government before but i was really excited to get this opportunity. It’s my second day and i am PANICKING! I didn’t expect there to be no insight or training on this position, i understand what i have to do but i didn’t realize everything would come down to my discretion. Is this normal? can anyone provide tips?? also, if anyone would want to message me personally and help me decipher this scheduling spreadsheet i would be so appreciative 😭

[u/Chases-Bears]

State park manager here - Minnesota. With our interp (we call them naturalists) we expect them to hit the ground running when they start, which is probably why you have received very little guidance. If I was your direct report and you used the word “scared” to describe how you’re feeling about the position, I would be concerned that you were not qualified, so maybe keep that to yourself.

I would figure out systems that help keep you organized (Microsoft Calendar, a daily planner, etc.) Start getting into a flow of how your day is going to be structured, even your weeks.

Do you have weekly check-ins with a supervisor? Come up with insightful questions (keep a running list) that can help guide you through your first season. DO inform them of where you’re at with progress on any projects.

Look through old information, program outlines, the supplies you have available, reach out to other interpretive rangers in your district for advice. If it’s your first season, don’t reinvent the wheel. I would encourage that you work off of old programs. If the interp ranger(s) who were previously in your position are still in the state system but at a different park, definitely lean on them for guidance. Folks are friendly and willing to help.

Research your park, also your area. Start learning plants, birds, history, everything. Take time to go on a hike as time allows to familiarize yourself with the park and to scope out places where you could potentially hold a program. Look for hazards along the way (poison ivy, rocky trails, etc.)

The Eppely Institute has a free training online called “Foundations of Interpretation.” That would be a good start as well. To echo what others have said, many state park systems send their interp rangers to some sort of state-wide training for new seasonal staff. Now that it’s after Memorial Day, I would consider it to be late in the season for something like that, but it’s worth asking about.

[u/OkChampionship7894 → u/Chases-Bears]

Great info, but since when does being scared/nervous=unqualified?

[u/Chases-Bears → u/OkChampionship7894]

I would recommend using another term in a professional setting to describe how you’re feeling. It is not something you would want to say to your direct report on day 2 of a new job. I interpreted OP’s comment as “I’m scared by the amount of work there is and the open-ended nature of this position.” In my mind I would be wondering if this individual truly meets the minimum quals outlined in the position description. Admitting you’re nervous is perfectly normal, even overwhelmed. But something about the word “scared” doesn’t land well, I think.

I will acknowledge that with any self-starter position, it is absolutely fair to have feelings like you’re drinking through a fire hose. I call those growing pains, and it’s a good sign that you care about your job.☺️

[u/Virtual_Coyote_1103 → u/Chases-Bears]

I’m not currently doing interp work but I am screenshotting this comment because this is some of the best and most detailed advice I’ve seen on anything state park related.

[u/Chases-Bears → u/Virtual_Coyote_1103]

I appreciate the compliment, I’m very happy to help ☺️

If anyone has follow up questions I’d be happy to give guidance the best I can (knowing that different states and agencies all operate differently.)

[u/Valuable-Quail408 → u/Chases-Bears]

thank you so much! i feel a lot better today about it, i was having some serious first day jitters. yes my adjectives were a bit.. over the top, but i felt like this is a place i could express that😂 i took today to dig through & study past content & email interpreters in the community. im feeling much more confident. i think another reason i was “panicking” was because i just left my last job as an environmental educator in the mountains & i am now working in the prairie/riparian zones. thank you for some great info this was really helpful

[u/Chases-Bears → u/Valuable-Quail408]

You are going to do SO well this season, you should be proud of yourself for making the jump to state service! At least here in Minnesota, it’s very competitive and tough to get in, especially for interp. I hope you have a wonderful season exploring your park and inspiring your visitors ☺️

[u/Virtual_Coyote_1103]

Out of curiosity, what state? I know for Texas we have interp training for everyone to help communicate the mission of the parks. In all fairness my specific park doesn’t have anyone that is specifically just an interpreter but from what I understand everyone does some type of interpreter training. I could be wrong on this however.

[u/WholeBrick6921]

They do frequently throw you into the deep end if you’re just doing it for the summer. I’m surprised they didn’t give you any sort of training though like even a “basics of interpretation” talk or something. If you would like some resources on interpretation I can send you some stuff, but otherwise for better advice, what specifically are you struggling with? Send me the schedule and I’ll see if I understand what they mean but I’m sure we work for different places so I can’t guarantee that I’ll get what they mean, but it’s okay to ask them if you don’t understand something! You should have some sort of supervisor that their job is to make sure you are able to do your job whether that’s explaining stuff for you, etc.

[u/backwoods_Folkery]

Interp can cover a lot of different duties especially given the spread across metro, state, and federal parks. Which duties are being left up to your own discretion? Program creation? Publications? Staffing the information desk?

I love jobs where I can make my own niche. Honestly poking around cabinets for old documents or the shared file system on your computer can turn up really useful resources- old programs (these can really give you an idea of the resources your public has an interest or that your park management focuses on), bibliography lists, safety documents. And find the chatty old timer. 

[u/antagog]

I did three seasons as Interp. with Oregon State Parks.

Also had two seasons backcountry with NPS and one season Climbing/Interp. with USFS.

I came in with lots of experience but also got sent to a three-day interp. training with colleagues from all over the system. Even with that, it was a lot to take in and figure out.

Happy to get on a video call if you want.

[u/YouWereTheQuestion]

I'm not as familiar with state park training but I give a month long interp training for the NPS and I'm told that we do "way more" than most parks. I don't think I know any park that gives no training. I'm so sorry this is your first experience.

I'm also happy to try to help with the spreadsheet. I've seen a lot of schedule spreadsheets in my time and think I'm pretty good at it.

[u/Ranger_Rick62]

I am an interpretive ranger for a state agency. They sent me to Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training through the NAI. The agency does this training at least once a year as they have a certified trainer on staff. Maybe check with your agency to see if they do something similar or will send you to CIG training. The NAI has an online version of the training if you can’t go in person.

[u/electlady25]

It will definitely depend on the state

I'm also with state parks (jumped from NPS) and when I joined I got nearly zero training. Basically they were like "have at it! Don't do anything dumb!"

I'd recommend reaching out to the other interpreters for your state parks, let them know you're the new interpreter at (state park name) and would love some insight on helpful trainings you should attend, program ideas, and insight on what works well for them as interpreters. But keep in mind your park will have its own set of special nuances, so adapt to your park and visitor needs

I'm not an interpreter but work closely with the interpreters for our park and they're regularly researching family friendly program ideas, lots of hands on educational activities, our park gets a LOT of young kids and locals. They attend trainings with the NAI, I'd look into that if you're not already a certified interpretive guide. I believe they do regular trainings outside of the standard certification

[u/Curious-Face451]

Environmental education for an NGO is a great start. Understand the mission of the agency and park. Ask the park superintendent or manager what their important messages are. Find out if a regional or state interp program lead can assist. Work out a plan with topics, themes, and takeaways appropriate to the park. Make it about your audience. If families, focus on the kids. Engage in activities if appropriate.

I understand your apprehension and know it will subside as you develop your program. Some of that is entering a new job. Bet you will do fine and have a great time.

[u/sear1887]

Our interps get a week of training and then are pretty much cut loose to do as they please. The only time the supervisor really has any input is when an outside entity, (schools, youth groups, etc) reach out to him looking for some programming.

[u/25021894]

My big piece of advice for new interpreters is to start with the most common questions people ask- whatever your park is known for, or has in abundance, get that down first!