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Interpretive Guide - Military Veterans Only

Hello U.S. Military Veterans! The VetsWork program is a paid, AmeriCorps internship program (45 weeks) specifically for military veterans who are interested in starting a career in the natural resources, public lands management, and conservation fields.

To view a full position description and application instructions please visit: mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork

Position Title: Interpretive Guide

Partner Organization: Tongass National Forest

Project Location: Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, 50 Main Street, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901

Service Dates: March 4, 2024 to January 10, 2024 (1700-hour position)

Position Summary -

In partnership with the Mt. Adams Institute (MAI), the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center will sponsor a VetsWork AmeriCorps Intern to serve as a Visitor Information Assistant. The Intern will provide informational and educational services to the visiting public. The mission of the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is to educate the public on the natural and cultural resources of Alaska, including its public lands. Through a 21,000 sq. ft. visitor center and museum, the Intern will connect with visitors to help them understand and appreciate the role of the Tongass National Forest in sustaining healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities throughout the region. The Intern will provide high-quality public service, including mission-driven, scientifically sound interpretive programs. Using the Center’s exhibits, a classroom, or the Forest as a backdrop, the Intern will also provide high-quality conservation education opportunities for teachers and their classes. The Intern will also perform vital operations and maintenance tasks for the facility and other nearby recreation areas.  

Benefits:

$22,500 living allowance – paid monthly over the 10 ½ -month term of service ($500 weekly, before taxes).
$7,395 education award (can be used towards qualified student loans and/or education expenses)
Free, shared housing for Intern is available through the Forest Service.
Airfare/travel is provided at the start of our program; from Intern’s location to the Service Site (up to $750)
Upon successful completion of the program, airfare is provided from Service Site to Intern’s home (up to $750)
Student loan forbearance
Health Care
Professional development, training and networking opportunities
Potential GI Bill benefits (up to $2,400 per month)

Essential Functions - to include, but not limited to:

Create and deliver interpretive programs about Alaska, including the Tongass National Forest.
Craft and educate conservation education programs to engage youth.
Support the director in all facets of management and operations as needed; from administrative and technical support to maintenance.
Serve as a collection officer, responsible for accurately collecting and accounting for entrance fees, map sales, passes, and other money and property as required.
Make PA system announcements of films, programs and/or needed safety messages.
Operate theater system, change films, set up PowerPoint, and assist presenters with programs.
Provide weeding, sweeping, pruning and beautification of the grounds.
Provide daily facility and grounds cleaning to keep the facility tidy throughout the day.

Position Requirements - to include, but not limited:

Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation.
Be a team player and be willing to assist with all tasks in positive manner.
Have a keen interest in learning interpretive and conservation education delivery techniques.
Have a keen interest in learning the flora and fauna of the Tongass National Forest.
Have the ability to answer the same questions repeatedly while maintaining a positive attitude.
Strong customer service skills and enjoy helping people of all ages and levels of understanding.
Able and comfortable handling money and collecting fees.
Safety conscious for yourself and others.
Able to learn a complex theater projection system.
Comfortable with public speaking in front of both large and small groups.
Able to participate in a variety of schedules including evenings and weekends.
Must have served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, including Guard and Reserves and have a DD214 with an honorable discharge (or general under honorable on a case by case basis).
At least 21 years of age at beginning of service term.
U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
Ability to commit to the full 45-week term of service.
Selection, placement, and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Registry, state of service and state of residence criminal history check, and a national FBI check.
Must follow all health and safety policies and procedures, including any changes that are implemented throughout the course of the program. Accepting a position means accepting the current requirements and any updates to those requirements while enrolled in the program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience designing educational or interpretive programs.
Experience presenting programs to youth or adults.
Experience interacting with the public on a consistent basis.
Experience with fee collection, and other administrative duties.

To Apply:
After reading the full position description on our website (linked at the top and below), email the following application materials to erica@mtadamsinstitute.org:

Resume
Cover Letter (include your motivation for applying in the letter)
3 references (include name, email, phone number, and relation to you)
DD214 with honorable discharge.
- A General Under Honorable discharge will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Must be long form "Member 4 copy" (has a total of 30 boxes of information)

Visit mtadamsinstitute.org/vetswork for a full position description as well as a detailed program overview, application instructions, and frequently asked questions.

Contact Erica Bingham for further information or if you have questions about the VetsWork program at erica@mtadamsinstitute.org.