Visitor Information Specialist/Alpine Loop Ambassador

BACKGROUND 

Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is a public lands conservation non-profit in partnership with the San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest, Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other agencies providing outreach, education and stewardship throughout SW Colorado.

Job Summary

San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is hiring two public lands ambassadors to work in partnership with the BLM educating Alpine Loop visitors to stay on trail, utilize “Leave No Trace” practices, track user numbers, and monitor tundra conditions while also assisting  BLM personnel with other duties as needed. These individuals will also spend time working side by side with BLM officials as a Visitor Information Specialist in the Silverton Field office providing visitor information services, answering phones, selling SJMA and BLM products, promoting interpretive products, helping provide educational and stewardship programming, and performing other miscellaneous front desk duties for the BLM.

Location 

2 days (20 hours) in the Silverton BLM office located on Greene St. Silverton, CO. 

2 days (20 hours) in the field on BLM managed land and the Alpine Loop.

Hours

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position offered at full-time (40 Hours/week). SJMA’s Ambassador season runs from mid May through mid-September and will generally follow a four-days on, three-days off work schedule, with individuals working 10-hour days, including weekends (example: Thurs – Sun) and holidays. During that time, overnight travel and camping may be required. The season may be extended based on funding and candidate interest/availability. 

General Duties

• Educate the public on recreating responsibly in the high alpine region, promote Stay the Trail principles, and inform users of local OHV regulations.
• Perform the array of Visitor Information Service duties, such as answering telephones and in-person inquiries in a courteous and professional manner and helping to administer daily operations.
• Communicate and coordinate with BLM staff to stay up-to-date on public lands recreation and visitor information.
• Encourage visitors to “Leave No Trace” and “Recreate Responsibly” and to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Become familiar with the SQUARE POS system and perform merchant functions of SJMA merchandise.
• Familiarize oneself with common destinations and permitted uses around the Silverton area.
• Present a positive image of the area and of the BLM; ensuring visitor contact is conducted in a courteous, professional, and friendly manner.
• Advise visitors concerning safety, fire prevention, amenities available, and proper and authorized uses of recreational facilities.
• Assist in posting daily weather, flash flood, and road conditions for the safety of visitors, and assists higher-graded employees in closing areas when conditions warrant.
• Provide applicants information on issuance of permits; take initial application for permit; inform permit holders of action required to correct minor violations of permits and report major violations to supervisor.
• Meet with visitors to provide information concerning points of interest, travel routes, historical and natural features, site use opportunities and limitations, and park activities.
• Assist BLM personnel in maintaining and stocking bathroom facilities on the Alpine Loop as well as removing trash from the backcountry.
• Work with volunteers to complete scheduled projects and help implement new volunteer projects.

Education Requirements

High school diploma or equilivant 

Skills and Qualifications

• Must be able to drive off-highway vehicles through high-country (often very) rough roads,  driving for long periods of time.
• Travel and work in remote settings.
• Proficient in record keeping and recording data.
• Demonstrated outdoor leadership experience.
• Knowledge of public lands principles, concepts, policies.
• Wilderness First Aid is a plus but not required.
• Experience with public engagement.
• Passion for public lands.
• Experience with sales, marketing, and inventory management.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Terrific customer service abilities.
• Friendly and personable.
• Highly organized with an attention to detail.
• Able to work independently.
• Computer literacy, especially with Google Workspace.
• Strong written and verbal English Communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic cash management procedures.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn BLM regulations and systems.
• Maintain a positive attitude while working in inclement weather at high elevation (8,000-13,000 Ft).
• Employment based on passing a BLM background check within a predetermined amount of time.

Compensation 

• $19.00- 21.00 per hour DOE.
• A Travel Stipend may be allocated for use of personal vehicle to complete certain tasks approved by your immediate supervisor
• 2 Uniform shirts, rain jacket, hat(s), name tag provided.
• Training included: NOLS Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, and appropriate agency training.
• End-of-season bonus awarded to seasonal staff who complete a full field season and remain in good standing with the organization.
• SJMA offers a Simple IRA plan with a 3% match, and 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked, per Colorado law.