Visitor Services Individual Placement

Address: 512 North Valley, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005

Position title
:
Visitor Services Individual Placement – Ameri Corps

Cover letter and resume required to be considered

• Actively Recruiting
  :
  Yes
• Final date to receive applications
  :
• Type of Position
  :
  Intern / Individual Placement
• State / Territory
  :
  Oklahoma
• Benefits
  :
  College Credit, Education Award, Housing Stipend/Assistance

Ameri Corps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. Ameri Corps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, and protect clean air and water, among other environmental efforts.

As part of Conservation Legacy and an Ameri Corps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across southern New Mexico and western Texas that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation.

CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.

These Individual Placements are unique development Ameri Corps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; provide an introduction to numerous pathways within the conservation field; and create accessible, meaningful, learning opportunities and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (WMWR) serves as an essential ecological and recreational resource for the local community and visitors from afar. The refuge attracts 1.8 million visitors annually and with over 59,000 acres of diverse habitats, there are a variety of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, camping, wildlife photography, rock climbing, and wildlife observation. However, to maximize the benefit to the community, there is a need for enhanced visitor services, educational outreach, and engagement.

Additionally, maintaining clean and accessible facilities is crucial for a positive visitor experience.

The selected individual placement will help the refuge enhance the visitor experience by providing information to visitors, promoting educational programs, guiding outdoor activities, regularly maintaining trails and facilities, and assisting staff with coordinating volunteers for trail maintenance and clean up events. By engaging the public, individual placement will help foster a deeper connection between the surrounding community and the natural environment.

There will be opportunities for the individual placement to shadow various staff to better understand the daily responsibilities and challenges of managing refuge visitation. Refuge staff will also facilitate networking introductions to professionals at local, state, and national levels through events, conferences, and/or workshops.

• Trail Clearing and Maintenance
  • Identify and clear fallen branches, debris, and vegetation that obstruct the trail to ensure safe passage for hikers.
  • Use hand tools such as loppers, saws, and rakes to maintain the trail's path, ensuring it is wide enough and free of hazards.
  • Assess trail conditions post-maintenance, documenting any areas needing further attention or repair for future reference.
• Visitor Engagement
  • Develop and implement engaging outreach programs to connect visitors with the natural and cultural history of the site.
  • Facilitate guided tours and interactive activities that enhance visitor understanding and appreciation.
  • Collect and analyze visitor feedback to improve engagement strategies and visitor experience.
• Educational Materials Development
  • Research and create educational content that highlights key themes and information relevant to the site.
  • Design visual aids, brochures, and digital resources to…