Visitor Service Specialist (USFWS, Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, is recruiting a Visitor Services Specialist for the Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge work teams (Lincoln and Clark Counties, NV). The specialist will work collaboratively with Refuge staff to manage the Visitor Center operation and implement a variety of visitor service programs. Programs will mainly revolve around interpretation, education and volunteers. Previous VSSs at Pahranagat and Moapa Valley NWRs have secured permanent employment with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and National Audubon Society. This position is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the federal workforce and work with a very experienced Visitor Services Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate volunteer program through volunteer recruitment, training, project coordination, recognition, etc.
• Conduct and staff outreach events, and develop and conduct special events
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the refuge’s visitor center and nature store.
• Staff information desks in visitor center or contact stations and provides roving interpretation
• Develop and present a variety of interpretive and recreation programs
• Development of interpretive materials such as brochures, pamphlets, exhibits, website updates and signs
• Develop and present environmental education programs
• Perform custodial and maintenance to maintain a clean and safe visitor facilities
• Help run campground and trail network, which could include custodial and maintenance of the visitor amenities and signage

Other Opportunities:

• The Pahranagat and Moapa Valley NWR Work Team conducts a variety of work at the refuges. The VSS will have the opportunity to assist with a lot of this work if they so desire, including but not limited to trail maintenance, songbird banding, duck banding, invasive species management, ORUV training, macroinvertebrate surveys, and spring surveys, in addition to the opportunity to assist with activities at the other refuges in the complex (Desert and Ash Meadows).

Timeline:

• Appointment beginning September or October 2025. The initial contract for this position will be for a duration of 37 weeks; however, the refuges are in the process of adding additional funding to this position, which would result in at least another year of funding. This position has been consistently funded for the last 10+ years. An ideal candidate would be available for at least a year, if not longer.
• Full time (40 hours/week); weekend hours will be required. Typical work schedule is Thursday-Monday, with off days being Tuesday and Wednesday. Occasionally the incumbent is asked to shift an off day if there is an event occurring on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Location:

Pahranagat NWR is located on the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migratory route along the western coast of the United States. In the spring and fall, the migration of hundreds of unique bird species makes Pahranagat a birdwatcher's paradise. The refuge is open every day. The visitor center features interactive exhibits, a short refuge film, informational brochures, and a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs of your time at the refuge.

Pahranagat NWR’s recreational opportunities will bring visitors into close proximity with wildlife.  Pahranagat features approximately 7 miles of hiking trails which cross through five different habitat types, giving visitors the opportunity to see meadows, marshes, lakes, streams and desert within a single afternoon visit. Hunting and fishing are allowed during prescribed seasons, and for those interested in experiencing this desert oasis at night, free camping is available on designated campsites at the Upper Lake. The nearest town to the refuge is Alamo, NV, and the refuge is located about 1.5 hours from Las Vegas, NV. The town of Alamo has a small grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, urgent care clinic, post office, small gym, several churches and occasionally a pizza food truck. Packages can be delivered directly to the refuge. Alamo does not offer a stimulating night life, but makes up for this with breathtaking views, excellent birding opportunities, and proximity to a plethora of outdoor recreation, including national parks and other public lands.  Las Vegas, Mesquite, and St. George Utah offer the closest metropolitan areas where Alamo residents can stock up on groceries and social interactions. Having one’s own vehicle for transportation is highly recommended.

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Wage: $21.00 per hour
• Onsite housing available for rent (~$175)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid federal holidays
• Eligible to enroll in company 401K plan with match contributions (after 90 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, natural resources conservation, interpretation or a related field and commensurate field experience
• Experience recruiting, training and/or managing volunteers
• Experience planning and conducting outreach and special events
• Experience creating interpretive materials (e.g.: pamphlets, posters) or displays.
• A working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite products

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in a customer service setting like a visitor center
• Experience conducting interpretation
• Experience living or working in, and/or knowledge of Mojave Desert or southwestern wetland ecosystems and natural/cultural resources
• Experience developing and implementing environmental education and curricula
• Knowledge of and/or experience developing multimedia programs

Additional requirements:

• Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented and capable of working with little direct supervision to develop and present programs
• Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.

How to Apply:

Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online portal:

https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=PD&req=2022-RAP-067

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.