The Great Basin Institute is recruiting up to three (3) Visitor Center Hosts to serve as part of our AmeriCorps program. This volunteer position will have the primary responsibility of welcoming visitors to the center and providing information about the natural and cultural significance of the region, with special emphasis on the unique ecology of Galena Creek Park. This position will work with the Great Basin Institute, and collaboratively with the US Forest Service and Washoe County. Primary duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Staffing the information desk at the Galena Creek Visitor Center; - Interacting positively with the public and providing information about the surrounding area; - Providing daily center upkeep; - Operating the gift store register; - Coordinating with Great Basin Institute staff in the implementation of community programs; and - Assisting with children’s programs, including but not limited to school break camps. *Compensation & Timeline:* - Per Diem: $200/week - o Education Award*: minimum of $1,195 and may increase depending on term of service - Minimum 8-week appointment beginning May 04, 2015, or upon availability - Full-time, 40 hours per week * AmeriCorps Education award may be used for past, present or future educational experiences including, but not limited to, paying off/down federal student loan debt and is valid for up to seven (7) years after completion of a term of service. *Location:* Reno, NV - The Galena Creek Visitor Center is uniquely situated in Galena Creek Recreation Area, which adjoins Galena Creek Regional Park, surrounded on three sides by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and between Reno and Lake Tahoe, the visitor center is located at the juncture of two ecosystems, high desert and alpine. The location provides opportunity for recreation for all levels in both desert and mountain habitats. *Qualifications:* - Experience interacting with all ages in a customer service capacity; park and/or visitor center experience is desirable; - Knowledge of biology, ecology and/or conservation is highly desirable; - Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Reno-Lake Tahoe area is desirable; - Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented; - Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities; - Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums; - Ability to speak English conversationally; conversational ability in Spanish desirable but not required; - Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement. - This position *will* have reoccurring access to vulnerable populations and the successful applicant(s) will be required to complete a heightened criminal history check per AmeriCorps regulations. *How to Apply:* Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at agladd...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found the position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
