Field Ranger

About the Organization 

Southern Nevada Conservancy is a non-profit organization working to connect people with their public lands. Since 1988, Southern Nevada Conservancy has worked extensively at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and later, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (Mt Charleston), Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex and California Trail Interpretive Center. As a non-profit partner to various agencies that manage public lands, we are able to provide enhanced educational and interpretation opportunities as well as improve visitor services at these and other beautiful destinations. 

Job Summary 

Field Rangers are responsible for engaging with the public to help educate the visitor on the protection of the natural recourses, low-impact recreation, and the mission of the US Forest Service. Field Rangers will also support and implement environmental education programs with the Program Manager and the US Forest Service in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Programs are tailored for the public, of all ages and backgrounds and include drop-in programs, tabletop programs, school field trips, homeschool groups, scout groups, special events, outreach events, and extra projects as skills and training allow. Field rangers will spend most of their time on frequently used trails and recreation areas engaging with visitors. Additionally, field rangers will engage with the public around the visitor center and visitor center information desk.   
 
The majority of contacts will be made in the field and around the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway, out on the trails, and will work alongside US forest Service staff and fellow nonprofits in a cooperative environment that supports the many volunteers and interpretive programs. 

90% of work is conducted outdoors in a natural environment in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and precipitation. Work requires comfort and ability to work independently in a remote environment. This position requires work on weekends and holidays. The base schedule will be 2-4 days per week, 7 hours including lunch break, and flexibility to occasionally adjust shift length and workdays based on need is desirable. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Implement and Support Interpretive Programming   

• Assist with and lead flowing interpretive programs:
  • Interpretive hikes 
  • Interpretive tabletops 
  • Outreach and special events 
  • School field trips 
  • Homeschool and scout programs 
  • Other programs as assigned   
• Document program statistics and support with photography  
• Respond to visitor questions via in-person   
• Collaborate with federal partners, volunteers, and SNC staff on program delivery, scheduling, and other needs.  
• Engage with the public to discuss basic ecology, Leave No Trace principles, and National Recreation Area purposes.   
• Communicate rules and regulations to visitors  
• When applicable, ask visitors to refrain from prohibited activities that may include entering closed areas, leaving designated trails, and having dogs off leash.  
• Provide information about the National Recreation Area and its purpose 
• Rove heavily used trails and provide “pocket” programs to hikers.   
• Assist with interpretive programming, as needed  
• Provide visitors with information regarding recreational opportunities in the Spring Mountains and other nearby public lands  

Communications 

• Collect photos of activities and resource damage 
• Provide recommendations for interpretation and resource protection 
• Provide written content for social media channels 

Collaboration 

• Collaborate with federal partners on scheduling, program topics and other needs 
• Collaborate with onsite volunteers and help inform them of Spring Mountains ecology and recreational opportunities on and off the National Recreation Area. 

Requirements, Qualifications and Education 

• Must have a driver’s license and pass a background check 
• Excellent verbal communication, and the ability to convey information clearly and effectively 
• Ability to communicate with the general public from diverse backgrounds and educational levels, ranging from young children to adults 
• Basic knowledge of Spring Mountains ecology and outdoor ethics 
• Multi-lingual speaker a plus 
• Basic photography and video recording ability a plus 
• Good physical condition required for hiking, and ability to lift and maneuver supplies up to 50 pounds 
• Reasonable accommodations will be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Statement 

Southern Nevada Conservancy (SNC) recognizes that public lands belong to all, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. SNC is committed to providing a workplace where a diverse mix of talented people are able to shine and support the broad scope of work we perform to help all members of the public to discover, understand, and enjoy our public lands. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status), national origin, ancestry, genetics, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.  

Salary & Benefits 

• $18.20 – $19.75 depending on experience
• 401k retirement plan
• Holiday and Personal Time Off