Job opening: Visitor Services Information Assistant
Salary: $19 per hour
Published at: Jan 25 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
This position is located within a National Forest. The primary purpose of the position is the dissemination of information and interpretative assistance to the public through various means.
Duties
Assists in developing objectives for interpretive programs and displays, providing input to the annual plan of work. Prepares reports on the annual volumes of use, trends in public information needs and public response to existing information output.
Makes regular visits to the various public schools and social groups to conduct presentations on subjects such as fire safety, environmental awareness, recreation activities, and litter prevention.
Maintains inventory of existing publications for public use. Prepares or assists in the preparation of informational exhibits, which include photos, maps, etc. Maintains the Forest video, film, and slide library and audio-visual equipment.
Ensures information desk at 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 and attempts to gain public cooperation in mitigating resource damage and pollution. Assists visitors with informational searches and use of the reference library.
Monitors and reports statistics such as visitor numbers and activities, for project planning. Keeps abreast of unit issues and acts as lead to other information desk co-workers as needed.
Serves as Collection Officer to sell forest timber permits, maps, passes, etc. in accordance with manual and handbook requirements. Is held responsible for submitting and accounting for collected monies using approved computer programs.
Performs daily activities for visitor center, including but not limited to, daily opening and closing of the facility, raising and lowering the flag, and maintaining the front desk. Monitors public areas and updates the status of exhibits.
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.
Coordinates with specialists and public affairs office to provide latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public. Researches and maintains inventory of publications, brochures, posters, and informational handouts for the public.
Creates and posts informational handouts and flyers concerning safety, events and other items of importance. 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.
Conducts interpretation for various visitor interests, such as the identification of local flora and fauna or the location of camping areas. Is familiar with trails, campgrounds, roads, etc., 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.
Handles clerical duties, such as mail delivery, personnel updates to phone lists and sign-out board. Supports office by monitoring field-going personnel for safety, scheduling conference room, fleet use reporting, travel, purchasing, etc.
Monitors the status of office and security equipment and uses a variety of office and computer equipment to accomplish project and unit goals.
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-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 grade level; OR a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school; OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.
Examples of specialized experience include: Greeting visitors, responding to visitor inquiries, and accounting for collected monies using computer programs and records. Planning and presenting interpretive talks and programs for visitors, local schools, and other groups. Performing clerical duties, including mail and package delivery, assisting with scheduling for conference rooms, and operating audio/visual equipment
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]