Individual Placement - Pactola Visitor Center Participant

Student Conservation Association•Rapid City, SD

19d

About The Position

This position assists the Black Hills National Forest with an array of visitor services and related duties at the Pactola Visitor Center; it serves as a front-line staff member in order to engage the public with meaningful conversations and create memorable visitor experiences. The position conducts routine operations including the staffing of an information desk, answering visitor questions, providing directions and orientation of surrounding public lands and private attractions, and responding to calls and information requests. The individual will also serve as the point of contact for the facility volunteers and additional staff working at the visitor center, along with working closely with the Forest's non-profit cooperative partner - Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPF). NOTE: This position will be responsible for working weekends, including holidays.

Requirements

The Visitor Center Coordinator needs to use good judgment in dealing with the general public and possess enhanced communication skills for all types of questions, comments, feedback, and constructive dialogue.
More so, the coordinator needs to be open to following directions and instructions from Forest Service, as well as accommodating staff requests, intern expectations, and other volunteer feedback.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate Degree Preferred, but not required … fields of communication, interpretation and/or environmental education, conservation management, recreation and leisure studies, and/or other similar disciplines
Personal Vehicle is Preferred, but not required … HOWEVER, please be advised that past interns have indicated that having a personal vehicle creates a better summer experience, as it allows the individual to visit other sites and attractions on personal days
Past Experiences with Visitor Center Operations and/or Customer Service Positions preferred, but not required
First Aid and CPR Certifications preferred, but not required
Conservation Curriculum Preferred, but not required … such as having certifications in Project WILD, Project Aquatic WILD, Project Learning Tree (PLT), and/or Certifications from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).

Responsibilities

Greet and welcome visitors, process retail sales for the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPF - cooperative partner), answer questions, and inform visitors about the Black Hills National Forest
Stay informed and educated about Forest happenings and be prepared to provide visitor orientation accordingly
Answer phones, respond to or forward inquiries for information, distribute trail guides, provide options for wildlife viewing, and share common vacation information to enhance the visitor experience
Be proficient with database entries, such as recording visitation numbers and facility statistics on a routine basis
Actively promote the educational programs and interpretive activities taking place on the Forest
Assist with maintaining an attractive, inviting, and professional look and feel in the visitor center, including restocking brochures and educational handouts, maintaining exhibits and displays, and cleaning visitor areas, such as sidewalks, picnic areas, and restrooms
Learn and maintain skills to operate BHPF point of sales system to facilitate customer transactions
Assist with researching new and creative ways to promote the Forest in the visitor center and celebrate successes with visitors and fellow staff
Assist with the planning, coordinating, and conducting of special events in (and around) the visitor center and near the Pactola Reservoir. Take the lead on overseeing these events when assigned
Other duties as assigned.