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.
Primary Responsibilities:
- 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.
Timeline:
- June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026, 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.
Location:
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 and Benefits:
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.
Qualifications:
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 known interpretive skills, techniques, and tools; and ability to prepare and deliver structured and informal presentations that are clearly consistent with the strategic goals and objectives of interpretation.
- Knowledge of the National Park Service mission, policies, programs, and program operations.
- Basic knowledge of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources and history of the specific park assigned.
- Basic knowledge of organizational policies, directives, procedures, and precedents to identify problems.
- Basic knowledge of research methods to conduct basic research and evaluate sources for relevance, validity, and bias.
- Basic knowledge of digital technologies (e.g., the web, social media, mobile technology, live broadcast or distance programming, podcasts, virtual tours) to connect with virtual audiences and introduce, inform, engage, and strengthen relationships between the public and their national parks.
- Knowledge of visitor facility/center operations to perform the routine activities of a visitor facility and/or information desk and provide assistance in coordinating day-to-day operations.
- Ability to learn how to mentor and coach peers, volunteers, and interns.
- Ability to collaborate with peers and communicate effectively with courtesy.
- Ability to promote safety principles and practices that ensure a safe park environment.
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to providing quality products and services.
- Ability to assist in coordinating special projects.
- Ability to track, report, and review visitor use statistics.
- Ability to write coherent and concise reports, letters, and other materials in forms and formats appropriate for purposes of specific documents.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally in order to present ideas and information that increase understanding of NPS programs, policies, and objectives.
- Ability to utilize common computer programs and applications (e.g., word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and other software systems) for publishing content to websites and social media sites. Must be able to apply computer skills in the operation of various automated systems and databases.
- Must provide a valid driver’s license.
- Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to The National Park Service human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
Preferred:
- Ability to be a member of a team.
- Ability to work Independently.
- Ability to take on situational leadership.
- Self-motivated.
Physical Demands:
This position requires some physical exertion and can involve extensive periods of standing and walking, in some cases over rough surfaces or inclines outdoors or on sand, and carrying backpacks, tools, rescue equipment, or other loads. Research associates may be required to lift or carry equipment weighing more than 40 pounds. The work can include moderate risks or discomforts that require safety precautions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures, sun, high altitude, winds, rough terrain, wild animals, pests, and/or insects). The incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear, such as masks, boots, gloves, etc.
How to Apply:
Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.
Notes:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Disclaimer:
Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.
