TIME COMMITMENT:  Full-time/seasonal; May 27, 2019 – September 16, 2019

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association (SIHA)

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION’S MISSION: The Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association’s mission is to protect and advance the natural and cultural history of Idaho’s Sawtooth – Salmon River Country through preservation and education. SIHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association.  For more about the Association please visit www.discoversawtooth.org.  (link is external)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Research, develop, and present specialized interpretive programs relevant to the visiting public of the Sawtooth NRA, including but not limited to guided walks, Junior Ranger activities, discovery stations, Leave No Trace talks, patio talks, boat tours, and evening programs.  Locations may include the Redfish Center, Stanley Lake, Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, the Stanley Museum, or other venues.  Assess and modify programs as necessary.
• Document and package the programs so that others, including volunteers, can present them as well.
• Observe peer programs and provide feedback.
• Meet with the lead naturalist monthly to review programs.
• Research and create interpretive exhibits to be displayed at the Redfish Center or the Stanley Museum.
• Provide information about the area and trip planning assistance at the Redfish Center and Stanley Museum.
• Assist with sales of SIHA books and related items at the Redfish Center and Stanley Museum.
• Coordinate one SIHA event (assigned at beginning of season).  Strategic “blueprints” for each event are available.   Events include Ice Cream Social, Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party, Salmon Festival, etc.
• Advertise for SIHA events on a regular basis (through creating and posting fliers, social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, and blogs, and word-of-mouth).
• Participate in SIHA community events focused on providing education on natural and cultural resources and environmental awareness.
• Assist in selling raffle tickets for our yearly fundraiser at the Redfish Lake Lodge music events.
• Attend and participate in training during sessions/seminars.
• Attend Forum & Lecture Series each Friday evening.
• Participate in outreach to develop and maintain partnerships.
• Complete SIHA paperwork (time sheets, program number records, etc).
• Participate in daily, weekly, and seasonal cleaning/maintenance procedures to keep everything in working order.  This includes seasonal opening and closing duties.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Have an enthusiastic, friendly, people-oriented personality.
• Hold a degree in or at minimum be a college junior or senior pursuing studies in natural or cultural resources, interpretation, education, history, environmental sciences, or related fields.
• Be resourceful, reflective, and self-motivated in a work environment.
• Have the ability to work effectively alone as well as with others.
• Demonstrate good communication skills, both orally and in writing.  Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Have basic knowledge of interpretive techniques.
• Possess valid state driver’s license; have access to a personal vehicle.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media or willingness to learn.
• Be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
• Be comfortable living and working in a remote location.
• Have a commitment to the mission of the Sawtooth Association!

SUPERVISION AND MENTORING: While the naturalist is working at the various visitor facilities, he/she will be supervised/trained in specific site protocols by the Redfish Center Lead Naturalist or Stanley Museum docent.  The SIHA executive director and lead naturalist will ensure adequate training is obtained.  The SIHA lead naturalist will provide feedback on interpretive programs/displays throughout the summer.  The SIHA executive director and lead naturalist will meet with naturalists monthly to ensure professional development.

TRAINING:  The Sawtooth Association will provide training for the naturalist regarding interpretation, natural & cultural history of the Sawtooth NRA, and SIHA’s mission, partners, and policies.  The Forest Service will include the naturalists in their annual seasonal employee orientation (inclusive of safety, community, policy issues, etc.).

TYPICAL WEEKLY WORK SCHEDULE (40 HOURS):

• 4 ½ days – Interpretation and Desk Time – alternate between presenting interpretive programs at various locations to audiences throughout the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and providing information about the area to visitors at the Redfish Center and/or Stanley Museum.  Some days will focus more on interpretation, depending on the 2019 program schedule.
• ½ day – Prep Time – visit and study at different locations within the SNRA to encourage area familiarity, create or modify interpretive programs, accomplish tasks related to coordinating SA event.
• 2 days off (these two days will be scheduled together but may not be Saturday & Sunday (i.e. days off may be Monday & Tuesday or Wednesday & Thursday, etc.).
• A half-hour lunch is taken each day.

 PER DIEM/BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

• $850/month stipend is provided.
• Housing is provided free of charge at the Stanley Ranger Station employee compound or the Sawtooth Valley Work Center.
• Personal vehicle mileage is reimbursed (at $0.48/mile) for project work (NOT for traveling to and from work).
• SIHA polo shirts, jacket, and name tag will be provided.
• Supplies and project materials are provided.
• Weekly professional development lectures.
• Feedback regarding interpretive development.
• 20% discount on all SIHA bookstore items.
• A beautiful location for a seasonal position!