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 that engages the local community in learning about and caring for the SMNRA. 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 $24,200 Living Stipend o $5,550 AmeriCorps Education Award* o Student loan forbearance* o USFS housing included * AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualified student loans. Timeline: o 1 Year Term starting April 15, 2012 (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); natural history of forest environments and cultural history of the western US; 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. Basic video editing, photographic techniques and communication through social networking media is a plus. 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. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Stacy Mitchell, at [email protected]. Please include where you found this position posted. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
