Interpretive Naturalist (Full-time/Temporary): March 15-June 15, 2010

Agency: Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee, Inc.

Location: Southern California

Job Description:

(A) Interpretive Services. The Naturalist must be knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the Mojave Desert and will use this knowledge to provide information to the public in the course of welcoming visitors, conducting scheduled and unscheduled nature walks, presentations, and other educational activities. The Naturalist will observe visitor activity and behavior and will take appropriate action if a prohibited activity is observed.

In order to provide interpretive information to visitors, the Naturalist should know the following information: plant communities typical of the Mojave Desert and common and scientific names of principal species of perennial shrubs; vertebrate species of the reptiles, mammals, and breeding birds of the Area; State and federal regulations regarding wild and captive desert tortoise matters including why the desert tortoise was federally and state listed, causes of population and habitat decline; and the functions of the Bureau of Land Management and the DTPC as they apply to the DTNA.

(B) Data Collection, Entry, and Reporting.  The Naturalist will record information about visitors and visitation patterns, maintain daily activity reports, and record wildlife sightings, and all unusual activities using daily activity report forms   The Naturalist will enter data into Excel files and will prepare a weekly summary of visitor use information, interpretive activities, any problems encountered and their resolution, and any other observations which might contribute to better stewardship of the DTNA and bordering habitat.

(C) Assisting with Other DTPC Activities and Programs.  During scheduled work time, the Naturalist will assist other DTPC personnel and volunteers as necessary to conduct activities at the DTNA or vicinity, such as volunteer‑guided tours, stewardship activities, and survey work. 

(D) Site Maintenance.  The Naturalist shall keep the parking lot and vicinity clean by picking up incidental trash, etc.  The Naturalist will check kiosk area for rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, and recluse spiders on a daily basis.  The Naturalist will inspect the exhibits along the trails each morning and maintain them as required.

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the plants and animal communities of the Mojave desert
• Demonstrated professional and/or educational commitment to environmental conservation, public outreach, and/or scientific research
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a diversity of interest groups, public and private agencies, and members of the general public
• Exceptional recommendations from professional, educational, and personal references
• Basic understanding and ability to administer first-aid
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Ability to collect data with a strong attention to detail
• Ability to enter data into Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets
• Ability to live on-site in the DTPC’s motor home at the Desert Tortoise Research and Natural Area, Kern County, California during the term of the position
• Having and maintaining eligibility to work in the United States pursuant to federal law; along with submission of employment eligibility documentation.

To apply: Please submit a resume, a cover letter, and a list of 3 references. Deadline for submission of application materials is January 15, 2010

Salary: $2,900 per month/ housing is provided

Website: www.tortoise-tracks.org

Contact: Melissa Nicholson
E-mail: dtpc@pacbell.net (preferred)
Phone: (951) 683-3872