Visitor Outreach Technician (NPS, Joshua Tree National Park)

THE GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Twentynine Palms, CA

6d • $24 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the NPS at Joshua Tree National Park, is recruiting one (1) Visitor outreach technician to participate in enhancing visitor education and safety within the park. The work for this project includes supporting visitor services, public engagement, science and resource stewardship activities, and the volunteer program at Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR). The work includes providing visitor orientation and safety information in park visitor centers. Participants will assist with answering visitor questions, providing trip planning and safety information, and supporting front-desk operations. Participant interactions with visitors will help identify common visitor information needs, safety concerns, and outreach gaps, which will be communicated to NPS staff to support visitor engagement and outreach planning. The participant will then work hands-on with NPS staff to develop strategies to enhance visitor experience.

Requirements

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to professionally engage with visitors, volunteers, partners, and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Ability and willingness to learn and accurately communicate park information, visitor safety guidance, regulations, responsible recreation practices, and natural and cultural resource information
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrate initiative, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain professionalism in a dynamic public-facing environment
• Ability to safely work in challenging outdoor conditions in accordance with established safety standards, including triple-digit heat, cold temperatures, high sun exposure, strong winds, thunderstorms, and potential flooding events
• Ability to hike and work for extended periods over uneven and rugged desert terrain and perform duties involving prolonged standing, walking, bending, and carrying program or field equipment
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn digital tools used for data collection, visitor services, scheduling, outreach, photography, video, and other public-facing communications
• Ability and willingness to work the established schedule, including occasional evenings and holidays, while demonstrating a commitment to visitor safety, public service, teamwork, and stewardship of park resources
• Must be able to work safely in challenging outdoor conditions, in accordance with established safety standards and protocols. Conditions may include triple-digit temperatures, extended hiking over varied terrain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding events
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Nice To Haves

• A college degree in a related field is preferred but not required; relevant work, volunteer, or lived experience will also be considered
• Experience or demonstrated interest in visitor services, environmental education, interpretation, outdoor recreation, conservation, or public lands
• Technical skills or experience in photography, videography, digital media, or content creation are encouraged
• Experience communicating educational, scientific, or safety information to members of the public
• Experience working with volunteers, community groups, or public-facing programs is preferred
• Familiarity with outdoor recreation, Leave No Trace principles, and/or working in desert or remote environments is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in hands-on data collection and related field and office tasks
• Supporting the development and use of outreach products, including videos, photographs, and other media
• Enhance visitor orientation, trip planning, and safety messaging through digital and in-park communication channels
• Support interpretation-led volunteer programs and stewardship projects by assisting with on-site volunteer coordination and public outreach activities
• Improve visitor and volunteer safety through clear and effective communication and support volunteer recruitment and retention by contributing to safe, well-organized volunteer experiences.

Benefits

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Personal leave and holidays
• Access to Pro Deals

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed