Oferta de trabajo: Guía de la Naturaleza en Alaska

TOUR GUIDE/INTERPRETIVE NATURALIST-- Supervisor: Tour Director.
Location: St. Paul Island, in Alaska’s Pribilofs. Duration:
Approximately 8 May - 31 Aug 2008. Summary of position: The tour guides
are responsible for visitor management, public relations, and
interpretive services for the visiting public. Tour guides are
responsible for conducting guided tours of St. Paul Island and the
management and escorting of the tour groups. Heavy emphasis is on public
relations and interpretive services covering the ecology and history of
the island. Interpretive themes of this tour center on marine mammals,
seabirds, birding and Aleut history. The tour guides are supervised by
the Tour Director and occasionally the Hotel Manager. Under the Tour
Director guidance TG/IN’s make decisions concerning the daily scheduling
of tour buses and guides based upon specific visitor requests and
expectations. Applicants must be willing to work in adverse weather
conditions. Normal conditions are overcast with drizzle, rain or fog.
The average high temperature for the summer is only 47 F and the average
wind speed is about 15 mph. Duties: 1. Communicate and interpret to the
visitor in a pleasant and informative manner information on the
wildlife, natural history and cultural history of St. Paul Island.
Provide exemplary customer service on a daily basis. 2. Meet and greet
the visitors upon their arrival to the island and give an orientation
tour to make the visitor feel welcome and calm regarding any uncertainty
about the schedule or organization of the tour. 3. Work cooperatively
with the Tour Director, other tour guides, the Hotel Manager and other
TDX Corporation staff to give the best possible tour for the visitor.
Guides are often an informal liaison between tourists, the tour program
and local folks. When necessary they should be willing to assist in the
hotel front desk or gift shop. 4. Educate the visitors on the delicate
balance of the Bering Sea ecosystem, the fragile nature of the tundra,
and the rich culture of the Aleut people, in a manner that is
non-political and responsible. 5. Conduct both driving and walking tours
of the island, especially to seal and sea bird rookeries. Many times
such tours will occur during inclement weather. 6. Lead tours to search
for vagrant and accidental species of birds both for organized birding
groups and independent birdwatchers of varying interest, expectations
and abilities. 7. Lead tours for groups of cruise ship passengers,
Elderhostel participants, VIP’s and other special trips. Occasionally
teaching classroom sessions and presenting slide shows etc. may be
required. 8. Tour guides are required to extensively read and research
the major themes and topics of this tour. They should be prepared to
spend at least some free time birding, botanizing and “naturalizing” in
the field. 9. Assist Tour Director with various special projects and
clerical duties designed to improve tour programs, as well as with all
aspects related to visitor services. These duties may include cleaning
tour vehicles and buildings, picking up garbage, and lifting up to
50lbs. 10. Tour guides are to drive a 22-passenger bus and be
responsible for fueling and cleaning the bus, including regular upkeep
of portable style “heads”. Occasionally light maintenance of these buses
will be required. Defensive driving and safe operation of vehicles is
required. Job requirements: * Two years college education in natural
science or the equivalent in work experience, familiarity with Pribilof
flora, fauna and history and/or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn
and be comfortable explaining these subjects to groups of up to 40
people desired. * Preference will be given to persons with strong
birding skills and experience, knowledge of marine ecosystems, and those
who can speak and/or write European languages. * Ability to identify
difficult groups of birds, including those in immature and juvenile
plumage such as: gulls, shorebirds and Asiatic vagrants. Ability to scan
bodies of water, shorelines and tundra and identify bird species in
cryptic plumage. * Strong communication, interpretive and people skills
and willingness to work intensively with a diversity of people under
difficult conditions is essential. Guides must have strong people
skills. * The ability to work independently with a minimum of
supervision. The ability to live and work cooperatively and cheerfully
with others from many different backgrounds with different abilities. *
Valid driver’s license required with a good driving record. Must be 21
years of age or older. * Willingness to work sometimes six days a week
and long hours required, especially at the peak of tour season. The
ability to work and function and maintain a sense of humor in weather
conditions of fog, rains and wind. Guides should be in good physical
condition. * Must supply your own binoculars and rain gear. * Native and
Alaskan preference. Living arrangements: TDX Corporation will provide
housing, meals, and transportation to and from St. Paul. Housing is
dormitory style and will be shared with other tour guides. Contact: Send
resume, cover letter, and personal, work and birding references to:
JOLENE LEKANOF, St. Paul Island Tour/Tanadgusix Corporation, 4300 B.
Street., Suite 402, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. Deadline: 10 Mar 2008.