Visitor Services and Interpretive Specialist

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Alamosa, CO

6d • $20 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the National Park Service at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, is recruiting two (2) Interpretation Specialists to participate in interpretation and visitor services activities. The primary purpose of this position is to interpret resources to convey national significance, connect visitors to personal relevance, facilitate shared learning, support specific learning objectives to meet educator and community needs, inform the public for compliance and safety, support management of natural and cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhance mutual understanding for individual and social benefit. The position is primarily responsible for carrying out interpretive assignments of limited complexity that involve the application of general program knowledge and the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of interpretation. Work also involves developmental assignments and some limited responsibility for initiating, developing, and/or modifying work methods.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of interpretive principles, practices, techniques, and themes to develop and present formal and informal audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using well-established and commonly known interpretive skills, techniques, and tools; and ability to prepare and deliver structured and informal presentations that are clearly consistent with the strategic goals and objectives of interpretation.
• Knowledge of the National Park Service mission, policies, programs, and program operations.
• Basic knowledge of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources and history of the specific park assigned.
• Basic knowledge of organizational policies, directives, procedures, and precedents to identify problems.
• Basic knowledge of research methods to conduct basic research and evaluate sources for relevance, validity, and bias.
• Basic knowledge of digital technologies (e.g., the web, social media, mobile technology, live broadcast or distance programming, podcasts, virtual tours) to connect with virtual audiences and introduce, inform, engage, and strengthen relationships between the public and their national parks.
• Knowledge of visitor facility/center operations to perform the routine activities of a visitor facility and/or information desk and provide assistance in coordinating day-to-day operations.
• Ability to learn how to mentor and coach peers, volunteers, and interns.
• Ability to collaborate with peers and communicate effectively with courtesy.
• Ability to promote safety principles and practices that ensure a safe park environment.
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to providing quality products and services.
• Ability to assist in coordinating special projects.
• Ability to track, report, and review visitor use statistics.
• Ability to write coherent and concise reports, letters, and other materials in forms and formats appropriate for purposes of specific documents.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally in order to present ideas and information that increase understanding of NPS programs, policies, and objectives.
• Ability to utilize common computer programs and applications (e.g., word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and other software systems) for publishing content to websites and social media sites.
• Must be able to apply computer skills in the operation of various automated systems and databases.
• Must provide a valid driver’s license.
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to The National Park Service human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to be a member of a team.
• Ability to work Independently.
• Ability to take on situational leadership.
• Self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Engage visitors with interpretive roving and pop-up programs in popular outdoor areas like the Sand Dunes.
• Provide PSAR (preventative search and rescue) messaging in the main dune area.
• Staff the visitor center desk to orient and welcome visitors.
• Lead guided hikes through stunning natural and cultural landmarks.
• Conduct interpretive talks outside the Visitor Center, set against a spectacular view of the dunes.
• Present illustrated evening programs at the amphitheater.
• Conduct night sky programs under some of the clearest skies in the country (Great Sand Dunes is an International Dark Sky Park!).
• Assist with cultural demonstrations in collaboration with affiliated Tribes, Pueblos, and cultural organizations.
• Represent the park at outreach events in nearby Alamosa, Colorado.
• Create engaging content for the park’s social media platforms and website.

Benefits

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays.
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match.
• Access to Pro Deals.
• Stipend of $100 biweekly will be provided to the selected participant.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees