Have you ever wanted to... teach others about native flora, wildlife, geology, local history, astronomy, fishing, or outdoor skills? Have the Central Oregon High Desert as your classroom? Would you like the challenge of including children and adults in your programs? You can do all these things as an interpretive host at The Cove Palisades State Park. This is a fun and rewarding opportunity in a breathtaking location. As an interpretive host you will be an important part of hundreds of family's summer vacation memories. Just to name a few resources to inspire your creative energy... the Cascade Mountain Range, Lake Billy Chinook, a rich and interesting local history that includes The Confederated Tribes of warm Springs, railroad barons, pioneers, homesteaders, farmers, fisherman, boaters and more.  There are a variety of wildlife from bats to cougars, birds of prey and the unusual striped plateau whip-tailed lizard, and a vast dark night sky filled with billions of stars, planets, galaxies and of course the full moon. Memorial Day Weekend, State Parks Day, 4th of July weekend, National S'mores Day and Labor Day weekend are extra fun events here in the park with campground parades, family fun games and campfire programs.

B-77/The Camp Coyote Amphitheater and Deschutes Upper and Lower Dayuse Areas - are located on the west side of the park; it offers a more Juniper forest feel with bats, owls, turkey vultures and access to the Tam A Lau Trail and the famous Crooked River Petroglyph.  This side is busy and faster paced, great for volunteers that like a lot of interaction with our visitors. This position is a 1 month position (May) and typically works five days a week, with T/W off; hours vary so you must be flexible to work needed shifts and able to work with limited supervision.

E-37/Crooked River Campground - is located on the east side of the park; it offers a slower pace with smaller crowds and incredible mountain views!  This is a three month position (June - August) and typically works five days a week, with W/Th off; hours vary so you must be flexible to work needed shifts and able to work with limited supervision.  This position is a three-four month assignment (memorial day - labor day).  Programs may include working with Junior Rangers, evening "campfire" programs, hikes, roving interpretation, visitor services, astronomy/dark sky viewing, community events and more! (Note: Electronic media is typically used for evening programs.)  Additional duties may be assigned depending on opperational need.

Additional duties may include:

• Landscape, including: tree limb removal, pruning, raking, weeding, mowing, mulching and trimming, blowing walkways, etc.
• Maintenance, including: cleaning, trash removal, sweeping, restocking for restrooms, trash compactor and recycling station
• Campground irrigation, including: using sprinklers, watering trees, moving hoses, monitoring irrigation equipment, etc.
• Traffic control for dayuse areas on busy weekends or special events
• Special project.and gear library.  Access to wifi/phones in park buildings, not necessarily in campgrounds.  AT&T is the only reliable cell provider in the canyon (phones are no longer provided in campsites).  NO ASSIGNMENTS ARE CONFIRMED UNTIL ALL PAPERWORK IS COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass a background and DMV check
• Self-contained RV or Trailer
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to travel on uneven terrain, as well as be stationary for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in high desert environmental conditions, usually hot and dry in the summer months
• CPR/First aid training is desireable
• Teaching/outdoor education experience or NAI certification is highly desireable

If this sounds like your idea of summer vacation, or you would like more information, please contact Ranger Erin Bennett 541-977-5759 / erin.bennett@oprd.oregon.gov or Ranger Tyler Banks 541-604-5887 / tyler.banks@oprd.oregon.gov! We hope you will come join us at The Cove for a summer you will never forget!