A complex interpretive center is a facility that is typically over 2,000 square feet with restroom and utilities, including climate control, in modernized museum structure(s) designed for the in-depth experiences and interactive exhibit investment.

This is the entry level of the series. Assists work under close supervision to prepare and implement interpretive services activities. Provides customer service to park visitors. Performs maintenance and custodial work of interpretive facilities and grounds.

Acts as an interpretive resource for the visitor; meets tourists, students and other visitors; performs and assists in guided tours, campfire programs, and gives video, slide and movie presentations; 

Assist in revenue generating programs by providing retail services such as collection of facility entrance fees;  

Assists with research and reference work relating to the site master plan and specific educational programs; 

Maintains interpretive facilities, exhibits and exhibit cases, interpretive trails, and audio-visual equipment; 

Performs building and grounds maintenance work such as mowing lawns, cleaning exhibit cases, maintaining floor surfaces, washing windows, and cleaning restrooms; 

Assists with the maintenance of records, e.g., accession catalogs, visitor use information, fiscal and operational records--for use by the park and interpretive services; 

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of:  Washington State human history or natural history; research methods; working knowledge of interpretive methods. 

Ability to:  explain or otherwise present historical scientific information to public in a manner that all can understand; meet and deal with people in pleasant, tactful manner; keep records and prepare reports; understand and follow written and oral instructions.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Completion of two years of college training involving major study in Pacific Northwest or American history, anthropology, geology, forestry, archaeology, ecology, or allied field.  

Experience in historic preservation or in historic or natural science research or interpretation may be substituted, year for year, for education.

New class adopted May 24, 1974.
Revise class.  Revises title (formerly Interpretive Assistant); adopted March 13, 1981.
Revise class.  Revises class code (formerly 2562); adopted July 1, 1991.
Revise class.  Revises class code (formerly 97230), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007 effective July 10, 2007.
Revised class concept, salary range, definition, and typical work; adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.