POSITION: Interpretive Outreach Assistant

Contractual, No Benefits, Seasonal

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis

 

STARTING SALARY: $16 per hour

Background:

The Chesapeake Conservancy in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management – Eastern States is hiring an Interpretive Outreach Assistant to support and expand the work of BLM Eastern States on the lower Potomac. The Interpretive Outreach Assistant will assist BLM with the management and maintenance of several properties, lay the foundation for a program to use Spanish bilingual seasonal employees on BLM lands, help the organizations form new partnerships and amplify their work within the Chesapeake Bay conservation community

These position will be stationed at the Lower Potomac Field Station in Fairfax County, Virginia, and will be required to travel to Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area in Charles County, Maryland.

  

General Responsibilities:

Successful candidates must be able to work independently in the field, analyze data and perform various interpretive, educational and administrative duties, including:

  • Assess the previous data gathered from visitor use surveys at Douglas Point and compile results into a report to address visitor needs and wants at BLM properties;
  • Collaborate with BLM staff to develop and update interpretive and educational programs;
  • Perform trail maintenance and park upkeep at Douglas Point and other BLM properties with BLM Eastern States staff;
  • Research strategies and provide recommendations on trail creation and maintenance at Douglas Point.
  • Gather new visitor use surveys from Douglas Point and other BLM properties and record observations and highlighted needs during scheduled visits;
  • Develop program advertisements and assist with community outreach;
  • Devise strategies and list of recommendations to lay the groundwork for a Spanish bilingual seasonal program on BLM properties
  • Build relationships and meaningfully engage Spanish-speaking communities;
  • Cultivate a positive, fun, and safe environment for audiences from all ages and backgrounds;
  • Engage the Spanish-speaking community in hands-on activities, stories and other creative pathways that spark a personal connection to the environment;
  • Track audience engagements during programs, and gauge the success of these programs and materials;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Work is performed indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions. Applicants must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled. Shifts may be as long as 12 hours per day. Minimum of 30 hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Positions are seasonal summer positions with potential to go part time during the off-seasons.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

 

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalence certificate.

 

Experience: Hold solid communication skills; possess an interest in natural and cultural history; have experience working with the public; ability to follow oral and written instructions; and ability to work in a team setting.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Age 18 or over
  • Adherence to all State and Federal laws and safety regulations
  • Ability to work well and effectively on a team
  • Ability to work independently with guidance from supervisors
  • Ability to work with a diverse staff and engage with a diverse range of people
  • Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work in a virtual setting while at a home office or area away from the office
  • Attendance at all required trainings and meetings
  • Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel across the states of Virginia and Maryland as needed 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with engaging diverse communities
  • Solid interpretation and educational skills
  • Fluency in the Spanish language, in addition to English
  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles
  • Ability to transport themselves to training, events, and other activities when necessary.

 

Final candidates will be subject to a background check to check their driving records, as they may be asked to operate park vehicles (vans, trucks, SUVs, etc.).

We are committed to being a diverse and welcoming workplace

The Chesapeake Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, refusal to submit to a genetic test or to make available genetic test results, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Chesapeake Conservancy understands that protecting and restoring the natural and cultural resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed requires intentional commitment to inclusive practices and narratives within the conservation movement. Through our work we celebrate and elevate the people, places, and cultures of the region, especially by engaging underrepresented communities. Committing to the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice is critical to achieve our vision of a Chesapeake that is healthy, accessible to everyone, and a place where people and wildlife thrive. To that end, we commit ourselves to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice both in our programmatic priorities and our internal organizational development through inclusive recruitment of staff and board members, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture.