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Interpretive Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

South Suburban

Park Interpreter

Littleton, CO

$16.40 - $20.90/hr

A Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) is strongly preferred. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Has knowledge of ecological and wildlife principles or the ability to gain quickly. Has the ...

MMS

Senior Medical Writer (Remote)

Aurora, CO · On-site

Contribute substantially to, or manages, production of interpretive guides * Take ownership of a given assignment, proactively consulting other project team members and other department ...

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All JobsInterpretive Guide JobsInterpretive Guide Jobs in Colorado

Interpretive Guide information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$15

$23

How much do interpretive guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for interpretive guide in Colorado is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.31 and $18.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Interpretive Guides face when engaging diverse audiences, and how can they overcome them?

Interpretive Guides often encounter groups with varying ages, backgrounds, and interests, which can make it challenging to keep everyone engaged. To overcome this, guides typically use a mix of storytelling, interactive activities, and adaptive communication techniques to connect with different learning styles. Flexibility and strong observation skills are key, allowing guides to adjust their approach on the spot for maximum impact. Building rapport and encouraging questions also helps ensure that all visitors feel included and engaged throughout the experience.

What are interpretive guides?

Interpretive guides are professionals who lead visitors through parks, museums, historical sites, or natural areas, providing educational and engaging information about the location’s natural, cultural, or historical significance. They use storytelling, demonstrations, and interactive activities to help guests connect with and understand the subject matter. Interpretive guides often tailor their presentations to different audiences and play a key role in conservation and public education efforts.

What is the difference between Interpretive Guide vs Naturalist?

AspectInterpretive GuideNaturalist
CredentialsOften requires interpretive or environmental education certificationsTypically has naturalist or environmental science background, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentGuides visitors, leads tours, educates the public in parks, museums, or nature centersConducts research, observes wildlife, educates about ecosystems, often in field settings
Employer & IndustryFound in parks, zoos, museums, eco-tourismFound in parks, research institutions, conservation organizations

While both roles focus on environmental education, Interpretive Guides primarily lead tours and engage visitors, whereas Naturalists often conduct research and provide in-depth ecological education. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary focus and activities differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interpretive Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interpretive Guide, you need a solid understanding of natural or cultural history, excellent communication skills, and often a background in education or environmental science. Familiarity with audio-visual presentation tools, interpretive planning software, and certifications like Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to engage diverse audiences set top guides apart. These skills are vital for delivering informative, memorable experiences that connect visitors with the site’s significance and foster stewardship.
What are popular job titles related to Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado? For Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Interpretive Guide jobs in Colorado are:
Interpretive Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Guide job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,621 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Park Interpreter

Park Interpreter

South Suburban Parks and Recreation

Littleton, CO • On-site

$16.40 - $20.90/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description


Park Interpreter Part-Time
Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open.
This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
$16.40 - $20.90 per hour
Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you enjoy working with people of all ages and look for ways to share your passion for nature? If you answered YES, you may be the person we are looking for! The Park Interpreter is responsible for preparing materials and conducting public nature interpretation programs, and camps for audiences of all ages. Primarily shifts will be weekdays between 9am and 2pm, and may require, weekends and holidays. Programs are primarily at South Platte Park, but can occur at other parks and trails within the South Suburban District.
Our Ideal Candidate
  • Attending school for a Degree in Interpretation or Environmental Communication, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Education, Communications or a related field from a regionally accredited College or University, or completion of a Bachelor's Degree preferred.
  • A Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) is strongly preferred.
  • Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
  • Has knowledge of ecological and wildlife principles or the ability to gain quickly.
  • Has the ability to read and interpret field guides and marketing information.
  • Has program development and delivery skills or the ability to develop the skills.
  • Has the ability to lead groups on hiking trails, canoeing, and other adventure travel and to conduct nature program/activities in a variety of terrain settings.
  • Has the ability to find and capture insects and aquatic invertebrates and to identify birds, tracks and mammals, tracks, astronomic and weather phenomena, or other naturalist skills.
  • Has the ability to work with people of all ages including children, family groups, and adult audiences.
  • Must have the ability to effectively communicate verbally; establish and maintain working relationships with employees and the public.
  • Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Three (3) months of experience in leading and conducting interpretive public programs and customer service.
  • Current certifications in CPR/AED & First Aid, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or have the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

The job description above covers the main duties of this position. Please note, as a team member, there may be additional responsibilities that are required to meet ongoing needs of the department.
Employee Benefits & Perks at South Suburban
  • FREE use of District fitness centers and swimming pools
  • Discounts on recreation classes and golf (applicable to employees working 14+ hours/week)
  • Paid sick leave
  • Opportunities for training and promotion from within
  • Flexible schedules
  • To view a complete listing of the District's most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us
Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.
We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.

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