Information Assistant Resource Assistant
Job Description
Information Assistant
Location:
Shawnee National Forest – Hidden Springs Ranger District, Vienna
Position Description:
This position supports the Shawnee National Forest's Outreach, Education and Interpretation program. Gain experience in working with the public, informing them about natural resources and the Forest Service in local communities, schools and in the forest. This position requires a detailed oriented and self-motivated individual who can engage the public and is interested in learning about the Forest Service. Opportunities for development and training in interpretation and education as well as assist with other natural resource department and activities.
The Shawnee National Forest includes about 280,000 acres of National Forest System land and is the single largest publicly owned body of land in the State of Illinois. The Forest sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and is rich in history. Although predominantly oak-hickory, pine was planted in many areas in the past. Swamps contain tupelo and cypress communities. Razorback ridges associated with the Ozark upthrust are found on the west side of the Forest; the broader ridges associated with the Shawnee hills are found on the east side of the Forest. The Forest has 7 Wilderness Areas, 4 National Natural Landmarks, 4 heritage resource sites on the National Register of Historic Places, 2 National Scenic Byways, 80 designated Natural Areas: 10 of those designated as Research Natural Areas, 56 ecological areas, 14 botanical areas, 3 geological areas, and 7 zoological areas.
Duties:
- Develops and implements environmental education programs and presents to various aged groups and at various venues.
- Coordinates program requests and special events for the forest, securing help from other employees and departments when needed.
- Organizes, inventories, and maintains program equipment and supplies. Maintains forest outreach spreadsheet and NICE database for the forest.
- Serves as contact for Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl appearances.
- Work with other agencies, partners and volunteers to build outreach capacity.
- Assist with visitor center operations, greeting public on phone or in person, selling merchandise and administering permits. Provides visitors with information on passes and permits, trip planning, local area information, ecological and wilderness information as well as seasonal restrictions, fire danger levels, weather conditions, trail conditions and safety.
- Plans, creates, and designs seasonal interpretive displays such as forest management, ecology, and natural and cultural history for visitor centers, bulletin boards and information booths.
- Assist Public Affairs with social media, website and flyers with messaging specifically to promote conservation education.
Qualifications:
- The selected candidate will have obtained or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in natural resources, outdoor recreation, education, public affairs, communications or related field.
- The selected candidate will have the ability to communicate well with the public as well as team members, collaborators, and supervisors.
- Ability to communicate through writing.
- Required to obtain a government driver's license
- Willing to work outdoors at special events, with some evening and weekend work required.
Benefits:
- $750/week stipend
- $1000/month housing allowance ($50/month commuter stipend)
- $2750 allowance for travel/training expenses
- 2-year non-competitive direct hire certificate after 960 hours
*This is a 1099 position. Persons paid on a 1099 basis are independent contractors and are self-employed. Independent contractors are required to pay all self-employment taxes (Social Security & Medicare) as well as income tax. Independent contractors generally do not receive any type of employment benefits from the client. For more information please refer to www.irs.gov or talk with a tax professional.
Questions? Email Rashed Jackson at RJackson@gyfoundation.org or SM.FS.R8recruiting@usda.gov