Individual Placement - Interpretation and Visitor Services Outreach Participant

Student Conservation Association•Santa Rosa, NM

About The Position

This project involves working at a desert lake and dam complex which was originally built in the 1981 and managed in partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New Mexico State Park. The primary goals of the position are to provide visitor assistance, promote environmental stewardship, and perform recreation maintenance to ensure public safety and enjoyment. During the busy recreation season from May to October, participants will focus on direct visitor interaction, enforcing rules through patrols and observation, conducting boat safety and invasive species inspections, and general cleanup. Key duties include implementing the USACE Water Safety Program through educational outreach, assisting with tours, and gaining voluntary compliance with regulations from visitors. Other duties may include developing interpretive displays and materials, updating bulletin boards, and providing interpretive talks. Recreation maintenance include inspections of recreation features, minor facility and grounds maintenance such as fence installation, removal and repair, trail maintenance, sign inventory and maintenance, etc.

Requirements

Ability to work a highly variable schedule, including all weekends and holidays during the recreation season (May - October).
Capability to perform strenuous physical tasks in extreme weather conditions, including 100-degree heat, sun, wind, and cold.
Physical fitness to handle duties that involve standing for long periods, bending, squatting, lifting, and carrying heavy equipment.
Willingness and ability to work primarily outdoors.
Must be 18 years or older

Nice To Haves

Experience or interest in public speaking and interpretation.
Background or coursework in environmental science, biology, or a related field.
Familiarity with boat operation and water safety principles.
Practical skills in basic maintenance, groundskeeping, or light construction.

Responsibilities

Visitor Use Assistance: Implement the USACE Water Safety Program by presenting educational programs, assisting with guided tours, and accompanying rangers on vehicle and boat patrols. Engage directly with the public to provide information, answer questions, sell passes, and encourage voluntary compliance with Title 36 rules and regulations.
Environmental Stewardship: Conduct vessel inspections for aquatic invasive species (AIS) like quagga and zebra mussels and assist the NM Department of Game and Fish with decontaminations. Participate in invasive plant species monitoring and various habitat improvement projects.
Recreation Maintenance: Perform inspections of recreation facilities and features. Conduct minor grounds and facility maintenance, which includes tasks such as fence installation and repair, trail maintenance, sign inventory and upkeep, painting, and trash collection.
Administrative & Off-Season Duties: During the winter season (October - May), focus on administrative work such as collecting and entering data, maintaining files, and creating or updating interpretive programs and volunteer events.