Visitor Services Information Assistant

Summary

This position is located within a National Forest.The primary purpose of the position is the dissemination of information and interpretative assistance to the public through various means.

Duties

• •Assists in developing specific objectives for interpretive programs and displays, providing input to the annual plan of work.
• •Inventories and prepares reports on the annual volumes of use, trends in public information needs, and public response to existing information output.
• •Makes regular visits to the various public schools and social groups. Makes presentations on subjects such as fire safety, environmental awareness, recreation activities, and litter prevention.
• •Maintains inventory of existing publications for public use. Prepares or assists in the preparation of informational exhibits which include photos, maps, etc. Maintains the Forest video, film, and slide library and audio-visual equipment.
• •Ensures that the information desk at a reception area or visitor center is covered at all times and answers the phone and radio.
• •Greets visitors and responds to a variety of inquiries regarding Forest Service activities, programs, exhibits, facilities, policies, and functions.
• •Provides guidance to the public on rules and regulations regarding on-unit activities and attempts to gain public cooperation in protecting resources from damage and pollution.
• •Assists visitors and callers with informational searches, and with use of the reference library.
• •Monitors and reports statistics such as visitor numbers and activities, for project planning. Keeps abreast of unit issues and acts as lead to other information desk co-workers as needed.
• •Serves as Collection Officer to sell forest timber permits and other items, such as maps and passes, in accordance with manual and handbook requirements.
• •Is held responsible for submitting and accounting for collected monies using approved computer programs and records.
• •Performs regular daily activities for the reception area or visitor center, including but not limited to, daily opening and closing of the facility, raising and lowering the flag, and maintaining the front desk.
• •Provides visitors with effective instructions on security and safety procedures and informs the supervisor of visitor needs. Maintains a lost and found for visitors and staff.
• •Coordinates Interpretive Association book sales, including ordering, stocking, sales, quarterly inventory and reporting.
• •Coordinates with staff specialists and public affairs office to provide the latest, most accurate and appropriate information to the public.
• •Researches and maintains an inventory of timely publications, brochures, posters, and informational handouts for the public. Creates and posts informational handouts and flyers concerning safety, events and other items of importance.
• •Works with the public affairs unit to ensure that current and accurate information is available on the external Forest Service website. Updates information such as road and recreation closures.
• •Responds to and directs web and email inquiries to the appropriate personnel. Acts as liaison to other information centers such as other Forest Service offices or the local Chamber of Commerce.
• •Arranges informational interpretive displays in the reception area or visitor center. Varies or changes the displays to coincide with seasonal changes and unit program emphases.
• •Handles clerical duties, such as mail and package delivery, personnel updates to phone lists and sign-out board.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. GS-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 grade level; OR a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school; OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. Examples of specialized experience include: Greeting visitors, responding to visitor inquiries, and accounting for collected monies using computer programs and records. Planning and presenting interpretive talks and programs for visitors, local schools, and other groups. Performing clerical duties, including mail and package delivery, assisting with scheduling for conference rooms, and operating audio/visual equipment Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.