Visitor Services and Interpretive Specialist; NPS, Sand Dunes National Park

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the National Park Service at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, is recruiting two (2) Interpretation Specialists to participate in interpretation and visitor services activities.

The primary purpose of this position is to interpret resources to convey national significance, connect visitors to personal relevance, facilitate shared learning, support specific learning objectives to meet educator and community needs, inform the public for compliance and safety, support management of natural and cultural resources representative of national heritage, and enhance mutual understanding for individual and social benefit. The position is primarily responsible for carrying out interpretive assignments of limited complexity that involve the application of general program knowledge and the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of interpretation.

Work also involves developmental assignments and some limited responsibility for initiating, developing, and/or modifying work methods.

• Engage visitors with interpretive roving and pop-up programs in popular outdoor areas like the Sand Dunes.
• Provide PSAR (preventative search and rescue) messaging in the main dune area.
• Staff the visitor center desk to orient and welcome visitors.
• Lead guided hikes through stunning natural and cultural landmarks.
• Conduct interpretive talks outside the Visitor Center, set against a spectacular view of the dunes.
• Present illustrated evening programs at the amphitheater.
• Conduct night sky programs under some of the clearest skies in the country (Great Sand Dunes is an International Dark Sky Park!).
• Assist with cultural demonstrations in collaboration with affiliated Tribes, Pueblos, and cultural organizations.
• Represent the park at outreach events in nearby Alamosa, Colorado.
• Create engaging content for the park’s social media platforms and website.

• June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027, 52 weeks.
• Full time (40 hours/week).
• Schedule:
  
  5 consecutive days on, 8 hours a day;
  Saturday and Sunday work usually required, evening work up to once per week for amphitheater programming.

Great Sand Dunes is a place of superlatives—home to the tallest dunes in North America and a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from wetlands to alpine tundra. These ecosystems support a variety of unique plant and animal species, making this park a hotspot for exploration and discovery. The park also has a fascinating history, with evidence of Indigenous peoples using the region as far back as 10,000 years ago.

Today, it serves not only to protect these natural and cultural treasures but also as a gateway for visitors to connect with the San Luis Valley’s vibrant heritage and stunning outdoor recreation opportunities. The park is located 37 miles from Alamosa, Colorado—a full-service town offering schools, restaurants, grocery stores, medical facilities, and other amenities. While there is no public transportation, the San Luis Valley Regional Airport provides daily flights to Denver.

Outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in the region, with abundant hiking, camping, and off-road driving opportunities, including exploring the primitive Medano Road. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in southern Colorado.

Compensation: $19.52 hourly.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays.
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match.
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing:

• Stipend of $100 biweekly will be provided to the selected participant.
• Housing will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.
• Housing is most often located in the local communities of Alamosa, Mosca, and Fort Garland areas.

Required:

• Basic knowledge of interpretive principles, practices, techniques, and themes to develop and present formal and informal audience and learner-centered interpretive experiences using well-established and commonly…