PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Visitor Experiences Assistant JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Visitor Experiences Assistant PARK: West Gorge Management Unit

SUPERVISOR’S NAME & TITLE: Glenn Littrell, Park Ranger Supervisor. ASSISTING: Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, Park Ranger 3

DURATION OF POSITION: May 2016 to September 2016. Approximately 5 months. Start date flexible.

WORK HOURS/SCHEDULE: The Visitor Experiences Assistant will work 5 days / 40 hours per week. 2 consecutive days off. Weekends, holidays, and evenings will be required.

SALARY: $12.35 hourly, $2173.00 monthly

WORK SPACE PROVIDED AND JOB SITE(S):

Work Space: . The VE Assistant will work out of . There is office space in the Interpretive shed as well as the Main Office. Both spaces are shared with the other seasonal staff – a permanent employee will be available daily for questions and guidance. . The VE Assistant will share a desk as well have access to a park computer, office equipment such as a telephone, fax, copier, printer, scanner, digital camera, projector, voice amplification devices. . The individual will have access to the Internet, the OPRD email system, and the OPRD network drives as well as an email address. . Rooster Rock has an interpretive and education resource library for the VE assistant to use in research and program development. . A campground gathering area for educational programs and an office space for meetings. . For transportation needs, the interpretive naturalist has access to a gator and a park truck – operation/safety training is provided for both. All vehicles are shared. . The VE assistant will have access to a cell phone for communication with park staff.

Reporting Job Site: Rooster Rock State Park, 1 NE Rooster Rock Rd (I-84 Exit 25), Corbett, OR 97019. . Will also work at Vista House, , and Oregon State Parks along the Historic Highway between Troutdale and The Dalles. Will participate in off-site events in the Gorge area.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

This position will focus on providing a variety of visitor experience opportunities relating to the Centennial of the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The primary work objectives of this position are to:

. COMMUNITY PARTNERS & EVENTS: Strengthen partnerships with the local community and promote the HCRH Centennial by attending numerous outreach events in these communities with an HCRH educational display. To date: . Parades to promote 100th Anniversary of HCRH  Troutdale Summer Festival, Corbett Fun Festival, Rose Festival . HCRH Traveling Display at Outreach Events  Troutdale Summer Fest, National Night Out, National Get Outdoors Day, Back to School Night, Portland schools, PCT Days at Cascade Locks . VISITOR CONTACTS: Increase visitors’ awareness of the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Gorge through roving interpretation at Vista House and various West Gorge parks. . EVENTS: Support Gorge special events. Act as a lead in organizing and executing those that relate to the HCRH Centennial and are in partnership with OPRD. To date: . June 7, 2016: Reinactment of the designation of the Highway in 1916. . July 23, 2016: FoHCRH Antique Auto Tour, Troutdale to The Dalles . August 27, 2016: HCRH 100th Anniversary event at Portland Women’s Forum . September, 2016: Opening of the new segment of the HCRH State Trail . INTERPRETATION: Provide formal interpretive programs in the West Gorge on the Historic Columbia River Highway at campgrounds, at Vista House, and off-site. . ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Provide environmental education in the West Gorge by promoting the OPRD Jr. Ranger Passport Program and the new HCRH Junior Ranger activity book. Develop and deliver a new HCRH Junior Ranger program that can be used in the campground and with school groups. . FRIENDS COOPERATION: Deepen the cooperation with the Friends of Vista House by working alongside their volunteers to tell the HCRH story and participating in partnership-organized events. . VOLUNTEERS: Support the West Gorge volunteers by working directly with Park Hosts and individual volunteers to provide interpretive programs and roving interpretation. . OUTDOOR SKILLS: Increase visitor safety and participation in outdoor skills by serving as the liaison for the Gorge’s 1st Let’s Go Camping program and teaching Let’s Go outdoor skills. . SOCIAL MEDIA: Improve the Gorge’s social media presence by writing and posting for the blog and Instagram account. Focus on the HCRH—Remember, Restore, Reconnect, Revel.

Regular Duties . One HCRH Junior Ranger youth program per week. . One HCRH evening interpretive program per week. . HCRH roving interpretation, visitor services at Vista House and elsewhere 3+ times per week. . Two HCRH Centennial community outreach events per month. . One “Let’s Go Camping” event with an HCRH program. . One HCRH special event per month. . Two social media posts to the blog and Instagram per month—focus on the HCRH.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Skills, Education, and Experience REQUIRED: . Candidate must pass a criminal background check and possess a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. . Candidate must demonstrate strong communication skills, be able to speak effectively before groups, and interact constructively with co-workers and visitors. . Candidate must have skills in effective speaking, writing, and listening. Ability to organize thoughts and information logically and explain them clearly are essential. . Self-motivation, initiative, reliability, organization, and professionalism are all essential. . Candidate must have a basic knowledge of computer software, word processing, email, spreadsheets, and Internet navigation. . Candidate must be willing to wear the OPRD park ranger uniform. . Candidate must be willing and able to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.

Skills, Education, and Experience PREFERRED: . Prior work or volunteer experience in the field of interpretation and/or environmental education. . Experience with parks, visitor centers, and volunteer groups. . Skills in developing and delivering interpretive programs and products. . Skills in practices relating to the conservation, preservation, and protection of natural and cultural resources. . Skills in organizing and giving direction and guidance to volunteers. . Current or past undergraduate studies in biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies, environmental education, natural history interpretation, history, or a related field. . Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest. . National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification or equivalent.

TIMELINE FOR ORIENTATION, TRAINING, COACHING, MENTORING, AND EVALUATION: Visitor Experience Program Assistants will receive a thorough employee orientation and written position expectations from lead workers. Specialized training may be provided in interpretive skills, volunteer management, safety modules, and Verbal Judo. Project and task-specific on-the-job training provided as needed. Ongoing review and mentoring will be provided by supervisor and other team members. A final evaluation and exit interview will be provided at the end of the season.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

. Laptop . Telephone, cellphone . Digital camera . Printer, scanner, fax, copier . InFocus projector . Props from Interpreters’ Closet . DVD/VCR . Interpretive library books and resources

. Maintenance equipment as needed: Hand tools, litter sticks, trash bags, hand & power tools, vehicles, gators

TO APPLY: Send a resume and cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest. Be sure to state the dates you are available.

CONTACT: Dorothy Brown-Kwaiser, Park Ranger 3 Rooster Rock State Park | PO Box 100, I-84 Exit 25 |Corbett, OR 97019 503-695-2261, x228 [email protected]