Visitor Center Field Ranger - US Military Veterans Only

To view a full position description and application instructions please visit: mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork

Position Title: Visitor Center Field Ranger

Partner Organization: Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, Science and Learning Center 

Project Location:  19000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Milepost 43, Toutle, WA, 98649 

Service Dates: Open Until Filled (45 week, 1700-hour position)

 

Position Summary 

In partnership with the Mt. Adams Institute (MAI), Gifford Pinchot National Forest will sponsor a VetsWork AmeriCorps Intern to serve as a Visitor Center Field Ranger. The visitor center hosts guests from around the world to learn about the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens, the impacts of that eruption, and the long-term challenges of such an event. The position will support visitor center operations by maintaining the grounds and facilities, communicating with visitors, maintaining trails, and monitoring recreation sites.   

Recreation management strives to create clean, safe, and welcoming recreation experiences that allow visitors to explore the Center and surrounding areas safely and responsibly. Developed recreation aims to maintain built sites across the district to ensure they are clean, accessible, and safe for visitors. To reduce environmental impacts, the Intern will document, monitor, and rehabilitate resource damage, especially in high-traffic locations. The Intern will also engage with visitors to help them understand the impact of their use.  There will be an opportunity to take on special projects based on the Interns interests and capacity (i.e. developing information kiosks and creating fire prevention signage). 

Essential Functions - to include, but not limited to:

• Daily cleaning and maintenance of visitor sites, parking areas, and trailheads.  
• Interact daily with visitors to share information and answer questions.  
• Engage with Visitor Center staff, including public contacts and partner assistance.  
• Install and maintain site signs, information boards, travel signs, regulatory signs, and other signs associated with recreation sites, travel management, and safety.  
• Patrol management unit to collect use data, identify or correct unsafe conditions, prevent vandalism, gather current information regarding recreation opportunities, and prevent theft of Forest resources.  
• Naturalize sites where necessary to control use and prevent resource damage.  
• Provide public information and interpretive services, including detailed information concerning recreational opportunities.  
• Educate users on potential resource damage caused by inappropriate use. 

Position Requirements - to include, but not limited:

• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
• Ability to write and communicate professionally.  
• Demonstrates independence, motivation, and resourcefulness.  
• Ability and willingness to serve outdoors, in inclement weather, on uneven surfaces, independently, and lift up to 40 lbs.  
• Willingness to clean developed recreation sites, apply herbicide and operate small engine tools (chainsaw, brush cutter, etc.). 
• Able to lead the development of individual learning goals, project goals, measurable outcomes, timelines, and reporting.  
• Communicate and interact positively and professionally with various populations, such as project partner(s), staff, stakeholders, volunteers, youth, and the public. 
• Must have served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, including Guard and Reserves and have a DD214 with an honorable discharge (or general under honorable on a case by case basis).
• At least 21 years of age at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Ability to commit to the full 45-week term of service.
• Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Registry, state of service and state of residence criminal history check, and a national FBI check.
• Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the program. Accepting a position means accepting the current requirements and any updates to those requirements while enrolled in the program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to drive a large vehicle such as a full-sized crew cab truck with utility box and/or four-wheel drive vehicles. 
• Related degree or coursework in Recreation, Natural Resource Management, Education/Interpretation or comparable field. 
• Strong interest in resource management and the natural world.  
• Experience/familiarity with fieldwork.   
• Demonstrated experience and comfort with public speaking and communicating with diverse audiences. 

To Apply:
After reading the full position description on our website (linked at the top and below), email the following application materials to erica@mtadamsinstitute.org:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (include your motivation for applying in the letter)
• 3 references (include name, email, phone number, and relation to you)
• DD214 with honorable discharge.
  • A General Under Honorable discharge will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Must be long form "Member 4 copy" (has a total of 30 boxes of information)

Visit mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork for a full position description as well as a detailed program overview, application instructions, and frequently asked questions.