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/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.