Visitor Center Coordinator at Black Hills Forest

Position Summary 

This position assists the Black Hills National Forest with an array of visitor services and related duties at the Pactola Visitor Center; it serves as a front-line staff member in order to engage the public with meaningful conversations and create memorable visitor experiences. The position conducts routine operations including the staffing of an information desk, answering visitor questions, providing directions and orientation of surrounding public lands and private attractions, and responding to calls and information requests. The individual will also serve as the point of contact for the facility volunteers and additional staff working at the visitor center, along with working closely with the Forest’s non-profit cooperative partner – Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPF). NOTE: This position will be responsible for working weekends, including holidays.

Location 

• Rapid City, SD

Schedule 

• May 11, 2026 – September 11, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Greet and welcome visitors, process retail sales for the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPF – cooperative partner), answer questions, and inform visitors about the Black Hills National Forest
• Stay informed and educated about Forest happenings and be prepared to provide visitor orientation accordingly
• Answer phones, respond to or forward inquiries for information, distribute trail guides, provide options for wildlife viewing, and share common vacation information to enhance the visitor experience
• Be proficient with database entries, such as recording visitation numbers and facility statistics on a routine basis
• Actively promote the educational programs and interpretive activities taking place on the Forest
• Assist with maintaining an attractive, inviting, and professional look and feel in the visitor center, including restocking brochures and educational handouts, maintaining exhibits and displays, and cleaning visitor areas, such as sidewalks, picnic areas, and restrooms
• Learn and maintain skills to operate BHPF point of sales system to facilitate customer transactions
• Assist with researching new and creative ways to promote the Forest in the visitor center and celebrate successes with visitors and fellow staff
• Assist with the planning, coordinating, and conducting of special events in (and around) the visitor center and near the Pactola Reservoir. Take the lead on overseeing these events when assigned
• Other duties as assigned.

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with program set-up and tear-down, and help with large groups
• Serve as a potential Forest “Interpreter” in relation to special activities
• Assist with cleaning duties inside the visitor center and surrounding facilities
• Rove the exterior sites of the visitor center, such as the sidewalk, picnic areas, and parking lots, providing visitors with informal interpretation and engagement with the happenings in the Forest
• Utilize reference materials and online search sites for completing projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

The Visitor Center Coordinator needs to use good judgment in dealing with the general public and possess enhanced communication skills for all types of questions, comments, feedback, and constructive dialogue. More so, the coordinator needs to be open to following directions and instructions from Forest Service, as well as accommodating staff requests, intern expectations, and other volunteer feedback.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Undergraduate Degree Preferred, but not required … fields of communication, interpretation and/or environmental education, conservation management, recreation and leisure studies, and/or other similar disciplines
• Personal Vehicle is Preferred, but not required … HOWEVER, please be advised that past interns have indicated that having a personal vehicle creates a better summer experience, as it allows the individual to visit other sites and attractions on personal days
• Past Experiences with Visitor Center Operations and/or Customer Service Positions preferred, but not required
• First Aid and CPR Certifications preferred, but not required
• Conservation Curriculum Preferred, but not required … such as having certifications in Project WILD, Project Aquatic WILD, Project Learning Tree (PLT), and/or Certifications from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).

Hours 

• 40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The Black Hills National Forest provides a bunkhouse for seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers within the Hell Canyon Ranger District. The facility is located near the Supervisor’s Office in Custer, South Dakota. It includes separate bedrooms, with some shared bedrooms (two individuals). It features a large kitchen area with appropriate appliances, shared living room, and basement with a washer and dryer for personal use. A small patio is found outside, with grilling amenities and seating for small gatherings. Parking is available nearby, and the facility is within a five-minute drive to downtown Custer for shops, restaurants, library, medical facilities, city parks, etc.

Compensation  

• Living Allowance: $600/week
• Relocation Allowance: $650, paid once

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

• Recommended

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.