Visitor Services RA – ONSITE – Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Start/End Dates: July 2024 – March, 2025

Compensation: $650 per week + $1000 monthly for housing

Medical Insurance provided upon request

Application Due: Apr 26, 2024

The Resource Assistants Program seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers.
You must be:

• a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• a college graduate.

* A personal vehicle is required for this position. 

Position Description: 

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is seeking a Visitor Service Resource Assistant intern to support various aspects of Visitor Services and Programs. This role primarily involves working at the Visitor Center, engaging with the public, and leading interpretive programs for the Forest and our partners. We are looking for a candidate interested in developing public-facing programs and information, both in person and virtually. Our team works closely together with cross-training opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Representing the Forest Service effectively and delivering excellent customer service
• Engaging in Virtual Ranger activities, creating social media content, conducting outreach, and organizing connection events.
• Creating and posting social media content, updating the website, updating recreation site pages on partner websites, facilitating bilingual communication, and leading guided hikes, workshops, and webinars.
• Updating kiosk materials and visitor-facing information
• Collaborating on partnership work with virtual ranger programs. 
• Assisting in maintaining strong relationships with partner organizations by attending and coordinating various educational outreach events and functions, delivering informative talks, and asking for assistance to benefit all parties involved, with a focus on community engagement.
• Effectively communicating with visitors and staff through writing and interpretive activities to support the implementation of the visitor center’s outreach program. 
• Developing and leading interpretive programs for the general public. 
• Working collaboratively as part of a team to develop resources and share information

Qualifications:

Major studies relevant to this position: administration, public relations, environmental majors

• Excellent customer service
• Preferred but not required: Experience with interpretive programs and/or informal education.
• Preferred but not required: Experience with Community and Youth Engagement.
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting
• Flexibility and curiosity

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)

All RAP interns receive Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.