YHONA Resource Intern.doc

Office: Yaquina Head Ouststaning Natural Area (LLORN06000) Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L23AS00444 Project Submission Dates and Times: April 14, 2023 5PM EST

Project Title: Yaquina Head Resource Interpreter Internship Maximum Available Funding in FY23: $30,000 BLM has determined $600 weekly stipend equal to $15.00 per hour is reasonable.

Project Background Information: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, a 100-acre National Conservation Lands unit managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is located on a prominent headland just three miles north of Newport on Oregon’s scenic central coast. Nestled comfortably between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Range, the city of Newport offers the convenience of its larger counterparts within the relaxed atmosphere of a small town.

Project Objective: Resource Interpreters at Yaquina Head may find themselves exploring tidepools with elementary school students, describing the migration of gray whales as they swim past, answering questions about the area at the site’s interpretive center, or facilitating visitors’ connections to the past focusing on Oregon’s tallest lighthouse.

Work Schedule: The site is open every day from 8 a.m. until sunset. Resource Interpreters work five, eight-hour days per week, which may include holidays, nights and weekends.

Qualification Requirements: This position provides excellent career-oriented experience for anyone interested in environmental education, resource education, and natural/historic interpretation.

Applicants must have:

· Demonstrated enthusiasm and interest for working with children, park visitors, and natural and historic resources.

· Ability to regularly climb and descend the lighthouse stairs (114 steps) and the steps (134) leading to Cobble Beach.

· Ability to walk safely on slippery, algae-covered rocks in the tide pool area.

· Capability to live in close quarters with co-workers.

· A personal vehicle for transportation is highly recommended. Available housing may be some distance from the work site. Yaquina Head.

· A valid state driver’s license.

Successful applicants have been current college students and recent graduates with degrees in the fields of education, interpretation, natural resources, parks and recreation, and theater.

Housing: The BLM cannot provide housing but may be able to assist in locating housing in the area. Affordable housing maybe available (based on on-going COVID-19 mitigations) at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (located 5 miles south of Yaquina Head), or a monthly housing stipend may be available.

Vehicle Needs: A government vehicle may be provided for work-related duties but is not available for personal use. A personal vehicle is not required for the position but is strongly encouraged.

Other Project Considerations:

All Supplies: This is a uniformed position. The BLM will provide uniform related items (shirt/pants/hat/outerwear). Personal supplies are the responsibility of the intern.

Training Requirements: First aid/CPR training may be available, if not already certified. Interpretive training provided by experienced, professional staff or certification through the National Association of Interpretation will be provided.

Travel: No travel is required as part of the internship duties.

General Duties: Resource Interpreters at Yaquina Head may find themselves exploring tidepools with elementary school students, describing the migration of gray whales as they swim past, answering questions about the area at the site’s interpretive center, or facilitating visitors’ connections to the past focusing on Oregon’s tallest lighthouse.

Duties:

Approximately 4,000 students (K-12) visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area during the spring “field trip season,” with close to 450,000 total visitors each year. With the guidance of the Education Coordinator, and other professional staff, Resource Interpreters will:

· Instruct grade-specific intertidal ecology programs for K-12 students (adaptations, zonation, biodiversity) aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

· Assist in developing instructional materials for on-site programs and pre/post materials for classroom teachers.

· Staff the Interpretive Center information desk and provide visitor orientation to the site.

· Provide interpretive contacts while roving park trails and at resource stations related to the natural and cultural history of the area.

· Develop, market, and present interpretive talks/walks to visitors on topics such as tidepool ecology, marine mammals, geology and more!

· Staff the Interpretive Center information desk and provide visitor orientation to the site and local area.

· Promote visitor safety and resource protection in the intertidal area.

· Provide informal interpretation to the general public focused on local wildlife (tidepool ecology, marine mammals, seabirds) using education kits and perhaps spotting scopes.

· Present short interpretive vignettes in historic costume related to the 19th century lighthouse. May also present 40-45 minute costumed tours of the lighthouse.

· May create and record short interpretive videos or other products for social media channels.

· Perform administrative tasks and projects associated with park operations.

BLM’s Involvement: BLM will have substantial involvement, Yaquina Head education and interpretation professionals will work closely with the interns as they develop projects and deliver programs to students and the public. BLM staff will provide needed training in professional interpretation/environmental education theory and practice as well as tips to work in a costal environment and in historic structures. Interns will side by side with professional staff each day . Staff will also provide project orientation and hands-on training. BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan, if the project is not on schedule, technical issues arise, etc. Additionally, BLM and recipient will meet weekly to discuss progress and track project outcomes; review training needs; and make decisions regarding next steps to finalize the project or move to the next phase.

BLM Program Contact:

Field PO Name: Kath Fuller

Field PO Phone Number: 541-574-3143

Field PO Email: kafuller@blm.gov

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program announcement number L23AS00444 posted on Grants.gov for all program requirements and applicable terms and conditions. Recipients selected for awards will be required to adhere to those requirements should an award be made.

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