As the primary point of contact for many visitors to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, the Visitor Relations Associate will be an ambassador to the public for The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service. He / she will share enthusiasm for the preserve with visitors, along with information on its ecological and historical significance.
The Associate will be based out of the Visitor Center at the preserve. The Visitor Center is two miles north of Strong City, Kansas on Highway 177 (Flint Hills Scenic Byway), 18 miles west of Emporia, 16 miles south of Council Grove and 85 miles northeast of Wichita.
This is a part-time, temporary position and the Associate will work an average of three days per week for up to six months. Additional hours maybe required for special events and weekends. The Visitors’ Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. in the winter (November through April) and 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. in the summer (May through October).
The Visitor Relations Associate will welcome visitors and give interested visitors an orientation to the site, run the gift shop, and keep the Visitor Center in good condition. The Associate may also give interpretive tours, answer phones and inquiries, assist with event planning, and other duties as assigned.
The position will report to the Flint Hills Programs Manager and will work closely with staff of both The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service.
Guest ambassador
- Orients visitors to the preserve, provides information, answers telephones, and aids visitors as needed.
- Provides interpretive tours and programs following established preserve themes with outlines and objectives.
- Assists with educational tours by providing interpretive programs and/or demonstrations.
- Take tour reservations, in coordination with site staff and per established guidelines.
Site upkeep
- Opens and closes the site buildings.
- Keeps visitor resources stocked and in good condition, e.g. restocking materials in kiosks.
- Performs routine cleaning in the Visitor Center, such as mopping restrooms and stocking paper towels on weekends.
General
- Work requires occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain, e.g. standing while greeting visitors.
- Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor. May work under limited supervision.
- Must be able to work long hours, including weekends and holidays.
- At least one year of experience in customer service, including experience operating a cash register and making change.
- Experience organizing files.
- Must be able to work some weekends, holidays, and long hours with advance notice.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Great at communicating with the public in person and over the phone.
- Knowledge of the history and ecology of the Flint Hills.
- Enthusiasm for conservation, the Nature Conservancy, and the National Park Service.
- Experience in a related field, like conservation or education, or a related position, like a museum docent.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Able to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, possibly in the absence of supervision.
- Able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.