Partnerships and Communications Research Associate (NPS, Lake Mead National Recreation Area)

The Research Associate Program at the Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with agency partner Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is recruiting 1 Partnership and Communications Research Associate. This position will help develop and maintain partnerships with and provide communication about the Park to/with a wide variety of audiences including employees, partners, members of Congress, Tribes, organizations, other federal and state agencies, non-government organizations, the general public and individuals. 

In this capacity the GBI Partnerships and Communications Research Associate will use writing, speaking, audiovisual products, and an array of electronic communications media to increase understanding of and support for the mission of the National Park Service.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and/or manage internal and external strategic communications, events, and documents related to public and partnership outreach, as well as partnership-related projects.
• Represent the park in meetings with concessioners, community leaders, elected or appointed officials and members of their staff, representatives of outside state and federal agencies, park partners, and representatives of interest and advocacy groups.
• Advise staff on possible public, NGO, agency, and/or partnership reactions to proposed actions or policy statements.
• Research, compile, and write informational documents containing scientific and historic information to be used for outreach and potential park partnership and communications decision-making.
• Provide interpretation and communication about the Park at public events and through other visitor outreach venues.
• Assist Park communications with printed and digital media as needed to support public and partnership outreach activities, as well as partnership development and maintenance

Timeline:

• 36 Week position beginning January 2025 (timing is dependent upon background check and obtaining a PIV Card; there is a potential to extend up to and beyond one year, pending funding and standing in position)
• Full time (40 hours/week)
• Schedule is flexible, some weekends required, this position will be part telework and in person

Location:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE) headquarters is located at 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005, a 30 minute drive from Las Vegas. LAKE encompasses nearly 1.5 million acres in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, including mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes.  In addition to the scenic desert and lake beauty at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, there are several other recreation and natural setting opportunities to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, multiple wildlife refuges, and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: $29/hr
• Benefits: Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Position will start with accruing Personal Leave Time (PLT) and holidays (If extended beyond a year, then the employee will begin to accrue Paid time off) and holiday
•  Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own. 
• Access to Pro Deals 

Qualifications: 

Required:

• Possess valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license
• Must meet the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority age and citizenship requirements (see more information in PLC on our website) 
• Willing to undergo and pass required background checks
• Bachelor’s degree in education, communication, community outreach, or related coursework and commensurate field experience;

Preferred:

• Strong background in collaborating and coordinating with partner groups, organizations, and federal agencies
• Experience in project management, highly desirable
• Experience conducting environmental education, highly desirable
• Experience with and knowledge of federal partnership policies, such as the NPS Director’s Order 21, highly desirable
• Experience creating interpretive materials (e.g.: pamphlets, posters) or displays
• Knowledge of and/or experience developing multi-media programs, desirable
• Experience with and knowledge of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, federal land management agencies, federal land management designations, the Mojave Desert ecosystem (preferable) or other desert ecosystems, highly desirable
• Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented and capable of working with little direct supervision in program delivery
• Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities
• Willingness to commit (pending performance and funding) to the full duration of the project, desired
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums;
• Ability to speak Spanish conversationally, desirable but not required;
• Ability to work in rapidly changing environments

To Apply

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.