These state park explorer specialists serve as a regional program coordinator for the DNR's State Park Explorer program, which is a summer interpretive-education program offered in 40 of Michigan's 97 state parks.

Each state park explorer specialist is responsible for the mentoring and training of summer state park explorer interpretive staff and the evaluation of programs and services offered at assigned park sites. Each state park explorer specialist is assigned five to nine parks, and each park is visited on average at least once every 14 days.

The state park explorer guides lead programs and hikes for park visitors that feature each location's unique natural, cultural and historic resources. Explorer programs are hands-on, environmental and educational activities. Program topics include forests, insects, night hikes, pond studies and other topics covering the variety of plants, animals and natural features found within each park. Audiences include both children and adults, often in a family setting.

The state park explorer specialist is responsible for mentoring and coaching their assigned explorer guides on interpretive techniques, program marketing, and answering resource questions and providing guidance and information on DNR objectives.

Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree. Candidates should have job experience or education in parks and recreation, interpretation, education, biology, environmental studies or a related field. Candidates also should possess strong communication and program planning skills and be able to work independently.

For additional information, please e-mail: DNR-ExplorersProgram@michigan.gov.