Interpretation & Education Specialist

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting an Interpretation & Education Specialist. This position provides an opportunity to practice the art of interpretation at a high level of excellence in a spectacular environment and reveal the wonders of this mountain environment to an urban population. This position is responsible for developing and delivering live programs as part of a small team with two other staff members that provide program marketing, support and media development. An extended team of land management staff, exhibit designers, and non-profit leaders create a dynamic environment that supports the interpretive program.

Primary duties of the Specialist will be to research, develop and present a variety of interpretive programs (e.g., campfire talks, night hikes, snowshoe hikes, picnic and campground roving) to large and small audiences both on and off-site that are based on SMNRA interpretive themes. The Specialist will also serve as a primary representative for the SMNRA education program at special events and a wide variety of outreach activities. Additional responsibilities include managing program registration, recording and reporting visitor contact statistics, and providing input for program schedules.

Compensation: 
o    $8,256 Living Stipend
o    $2,114 AmeriCorps Education Award*
o    Student loan forbearance*
o    USFS housing options available
* AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualified student loans.

Timeline: 
o    19 Week Term starting December 01, 2011 (or upon availability), with the possibility of extension pending funding availability and performance review.
o    Full time, minimum 40 hours per week
o    Working weekends, nights and holidays is required at various times

Location:
o    Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (approx. 25 miles north and west of Las Vegas, NV)

Qualifications:
Experience: Three years or more of experience in planning or implementing historical and/or natural resources thematic interpretive programs (Graduate work in interpretation, social sciences, natural sciences, communications, or closely related fields may be substituted for desired experience); coordinating and working with groups, organizations and the general public.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a degree in interpretation, social sciences, communications, biology or closely related fields; Certified Interpretive Guide credential and/or Advanced Certificate of Completion in an NPS distance learning course desirable.

Knowledge of: Interpretive theory, techniques, and media; historical and natural history features and values of Southern Nevada (desired); audio-visual and photographic techniques and media; private and public organizations concerned with historical and natural history interpretive programs.

Ability to: Work independently and be a self-starter. Assume leadership and provide creativity in the planning and implementing of interpretive programs for diverse audiences; develop innovative solutions to interpretive problems; interpret historical and natural history to the lay person; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; maintain necessary records and author well-written reports; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Other Requirements: Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record; ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; and meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.