Individual Placement - Visitor Services Participant

Position Summary 

The Visitor Services participant will support public engagement by delivering inclusive, high‑quality outdoor recreation and environmental education programs to youth, families, and community members. The participant will help expand access to nature‑based and wildlife‑dependent recreation by assisting with program delivery both on‑site and in local communities. This position will also collaborate with schools, community centers, parks, and partner organizations to bring Refuge‑led programming directly into neighborhoods. Additionally, the participant may help coordinate transportation solutions that enable community groups to visit the Refuge and participate in guided programs. Through this work, the participant will strengthen community connections, promote environmental stewardship, and help ensure that people of all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported in enjoying their public lands.

Location 

Cheney, WA

Schedule 

June 1, 2026 - November 20, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Staff an information desk: welcome visitors, answer questions, provide orientation to trails and facilities, and offer materials such as maps or coloring books to families
• Answer and route phone calls
• Check and respond to emails related to field trips, STEM nights, guided hikes, classroom visits, workshops, and partner coordination
• Assist with environmental education and recreation programs delivered both on refuge and in community settings (schools, parks, community centers, etc.)
• Support visitors by providing recommendations on trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, and safe outdoor recreation opportunities
• Develop a novel partnership to expand educational or interpretive programming
• Support special event programming at the refuge

Marginal Duties 

• Prepare brochures, visitor FAQs, and other informational materials as needed
• Help organize and support volunteer activities or community events, especially those connected to visitor engagement
• Assist with light facility or visitor use area organization (e.g., ensuring front desk materials are stocked and accessible)
• Support special projects assigned by the Visitor Services Manager or team, as described in staff performance expectations (e.g., small media tasks, signage updates)
• Support non-VCE (visitor and community engagement) staff with hands-on and other field-based projects

Required Qualifications 

• High School Diploma
• Driver’s License (& reliable transportation)
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to communicate one’s needs and expectations with supervisor or other staff
• Comfortable living in shared, dorm-style housing
• Comfortable living and working in remote areas with little to no cell signal or Wi-Fi

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in public speaking, research, environmental education, community outreach is desired, but not required
• Knowledge of or experience with outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, etc. is desired but not required
• Knowledge of or experience with the fields of biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, forestry, or hydrology is desired but not required
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish is desired but not required

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is provided on-site in shared, dorm-style housing. Rooms may be individually occupied or shared with another person. Bunkhouse features a large kitchen and communal living space, laundry facilities, and showers.

Compensation  

• $1,100 RT Travel Allowance
• $500 Weekly Living Allowance
• All Weather Uniform Package
• Housing on Site Provided
• AmeriCorps REQUIRED (Award value $3,697 at fulfillment of 900 service hours)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.