Sacramento national wildlife refuge visitor services assistant

Position Title:   CWA – Visitor Services Assistant

Duration:  October 4, 2010 – Mid-April, 2011

Supervisors:   Director of Communications and Heritage Programs at California Waterfowl Association (CWA) and Outdoor Recreation Planner at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Objective:  The Visitor Services Assistant (Assistant) is responsible for interacting with youths and adults as a representative of CWA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), facilitating the public's enjoyment and understanding of the refuge and its natural resources.  The Assistant will be a paid CWA employee and a FWS volunteer. 

Duties:   Primary responsibilities will involve, but are not limited to, scheduling school groups, presenting educational programs and tours for school groups (K-12) and other conservation groups, greeting visitors in the visitor center, assisting with special events, writing conservation education stories, managing the Refuge bookstore, working with the Complex's hunt program database, and completing general public use maintenance.

• Recreation Management (40%):  Provides orientation, interpretive, and regulatory information relating to the hunting, fishing, interpretation, education, wildlife observation, and photography programs.  Drafts a variety of written materials including news releases, articles, correspondence, and event flyers to increase the understanding of the Service and CWA missions, encourage attendance at or assistance with special events, and explain the goals and objectives of the Refuge and its practices or related issues. 

• Volunteer Coordination (30%):  Assists with recruitment and training of candidates for the volunteer program.  Assists in developing volunteer work projects and schedules.  Monitors progress of volunteer projects and drafts volunteer job descriptions and other volunteer materials.  Prepares monthly and yearly volunteer reports for review prior to submittal.  Assists in planning for and recognizing volunteers through events, meetings, and awards.

• Interpretation and Environmental Education (20%):  Develops and presents a variety of interpretive and education activities on and off-site including welcome orientation talks, guided walks, and demonstrations to a variety of general public audiences and school groups.  Inventories and maintains stock of brochures, Sacramento River NWR flyers, exhibits, and education materials.  Effectively communicates about Refuge and CWA Outreach Programs through articles and interpretive activities. 

• Support Groups (10%):  Assists with maintaining working relationships with Friends organizations and other partners by attending a variety of events and functions, giving informative talks, and coordinating with their volunteers.

Qualifications: 

• Required:  Academic background or experience in one or more of the following: Environmental education, interpretation, computer skills, bird identification, resource conservation.
• Desirable: Experience or skills in one or more of the following:
  Public relations, presentations, knowledge of wetlands and waterfowl, working with K-12 students to adults.
• Applicable Majors: Education, Parks and Resource Management, Interpretation, Recreation, Biology, Natural Resources, and Leisure Studies.
• Possess a valid driver's license and ability to drive FWS vehicles (a check with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding driving record will be required)
• Organized, motivated, and able to complete tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to work on a team, assisting staff and visitors whenever needed, and approach duties with a positive attitude
• Strong interpersonal communication, public speaking, and writing skills
• Can work outdoors and hike refuge trails in adverse weather
• Capable of leading group tours and use interpretation techniques and scientific knowledge to provide instruction on local ecosystems
• Ability to work effectively with people of various perspectives and temperaments
• Take initiative to complete job duties with diligence and excellence

Obligations:

• Report for work on time for dates stated.  Tour of duty:  8:00 am to 4:30 pm, October 4, 2011 through mid-April
• Complete the training needed to perform the assigned duties safely and efficiently
• Provide own transportation to and from the work place
• Volunteers are not authorized to operate private vehicles in the performance of duty for the Service
• If occupying the bunkhouse, abide by the rules and be willing to move out of bunkhouse apartment or room if asked by the Refuge staff
• Commitment to adhere to the FWS and California Department of Fish and Game conservation regulations
• Follows the FWS and CWA organizational guidelines
• Conducts personal affairs in a manner that does not adversely affect the FWS, CWA, or their own integrity, reputation, or credibility
• Wear the VSA uniform during the work day or at special events

Salary/Term:      $10.00 per hour, 40-hour work week possibly including weekends. Term position from October 4, 2011 through mid-April.  Housing on the Complex and transportation during the work day will be provided.

Contact Information:
Send resume with a cover letter to: Lora Haller • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • 752 County Rd 99W, Willows, CA 95988 • (530)934-2801 • e-mail: Lora_Haller@fws.gov.

Interviews:
Currently accepting applications.  Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.