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 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 present a variety of interpretive programs (e.g., campfire talks, night hikes, snowshoe hikes, picnic and campground roving, Jr. Ranger) 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, with a particular focus on the 4th grade student demographic as part of President Obama’s Every Kid in a Park Initiative. Additional responsibilities include managing program registration; recording and reporting visitor contact statistics; writing detailed end of season reports; self-led interpretive activities and outreach activities; and developing written plans for seasonal program schedules.

Contract Timeline: May 16, 2016 – November 11, 2016

Location: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (approx. 25 miles north and west of Las Vegas, NV)

Training:

• Three Day USFS Interpretation & Education Orientation & Training held in Ogden, UT

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; work efficiently to maintain necessary records and author well-written reports, plans and program outlines; maintain props and supplies in an organized and secure manner; 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.