This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of this position is to perform the dissemination of information and interpretative assistance to the public through various means.

Duties

Meets visitors and independently replies, either verbally or in writing, to phone and mail inquiries requesting general information about Forest Service activities, programs, and policies. Responds to a variety of questions covering all services that the forest/district may offer. May accompany a higher graded worker on regular visits to various public schools and social groups for presentations on subjects such as fire safety, environmental awareness, recreation activities, and litter prevention. Ensures that the information desk at a reception area or visitor center is covered at all times and answers the phone and radio. Greets visitors and responds to a variety of inquiries regarding Forest Service activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions. Evaluates inquiries in order to provide the most useful and appropriate information or to suggest other options, such as alternate routes or activities. Provides guidance to the public on rules and regulations regarding on-unit activities. Assists visitors and callers with informational searches, and with use of the reference library. Monitors and reports statistics such as visitor numbers and activities, for project planning. Serves as Collection Officer to sell forest timber permits and other items, such as maps and passes, in accordance with manual and handbook requirements. Is held responsible for submitting and accounting for collected monies using approved computer programs and records. Performs regular daily activities for the reception area or visitor center, including but not limited to, daily opening and closing of the facility, raising and lowering the flag, and maintaining the front desk. Provides visitors with effective instructions on security and safety procedures and informs the supervisor of visitor needs. Operates a variety of audio/visual equipment. Maintains a lost and found for visitors and staff. Coordinates Interpretive Association book sales, including ordering, stocking, sales, quarterly inventory, and reporting. Participates with staff specialists and public affairs office to provide the latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public. Maintains an inventory of timely publications, brochures, posters, and informational handouts for the public. Creates and posts informational handouts and flyers concerning safety, events, and other items of importance. Works with the public affairs unit to ensure that current and accurate information is available on the external Forest Service website. Updates information such as road and recreation closures. Responds to and directs web and email inquiries to the appropriate personnel. Acts as liaison to other information centers such as other Forest Service offices or the local Chamber of Commerce. Arranges informational interpretive displays in the reception area or visitor center. Varies or changes the displays to coincide with seasonal changes and unit program emphases. Provides interpretive answers to a wide variety of visitor interests, such as the identification of local flora and fauna or the location of camping areas. Visits and is familiar with trails, campgrounds, roads, and other areas on the unit, in order to provide accurate, descriptive information. Plans and presents interpretive talks and programs for visitors, local schools, and other groups. Uses a variety of tools, such as drawings, activity specific tools, and audio/visual equipment, as interpretive aids for presentations. Coordinates Smokey Bear appearances and Forest Service presence at local events such as parades and fairs.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-Verify.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. GS-04: Applicants must have one year of progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work which provided the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position being filled; OR an associate's degree or two years of successfully completed education above high school; OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. Examples of General Experience includes: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]