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Public Land Name:
BLM National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Vale District Position Title:
Education Specialist Agency: BLM Position Type: GeoCorps Position ID Number:
2016433 Location:
Baker City, OR Accepting Applications? # of current Applicants: 0 Position Description:
The GeoCorps participant will develop educational materials for school students, elementary age through high school, and for the general public visiting the Interpretive Center. The GeoCorps participant will lead geology walks for visitors to the site, as well as assist in the development and presentation of outdoor programming for school-aged children. The Interpretive Center is on the site of a gold mine and within sight of several historic gold mines, and this is a prominent story for the region. Other educational objectives are to teach visitors about landforms in the Blue Mountains, Wallowa Mountains, and Yellowstone Flow, which are all visible from the site of the Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center hosts visitors from throughout the United States and many foreign countries, with school classes visiting in spring and fall. The intern will be able to build upon some existing programs and activities related to geology, such as guided hikes, PowerPoint programs, and mineral displays. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Goals, outcomes, and deliverables:
1) "Jr. Geologist" activity sheets and interpretive program scripts aimed at children in grades three through six, and following an established format, with information and activities to teach introductory level concepts and information on geology - such as elevation, identifying landforms, observation and recording, collecting and identifying specimens, mining, human and natural impacts on landforms. Work with a graphics specialist to develop a print-ready electronic publication file. 2) Develop and present at least three 60-minute programs for our Thursday Outdoor Club, for children ages eight through twelve. Agency involvement (project oversight, mentoring, team building, etc.):
The GeoCorps participant will work with experienced NHOTIC BLM staff interpreters and resource specialists on planning and presenting programs and materials. Professional development & learning opportunities: (trainings, certifications, networking, etc.):
Kelly Burns, lead Park Ranger and experienced interpreter, provides guidance and training on interpretive planning and interpretive techniques. Gypsy Burks, exhibits specialist, provides training on developing graphics for print, video, and online use, and developing props and learning aids. Jeremy Martin, Park Ranger, is a very experienced interpreter who provides coaching and training on techniques in public speaking, working with various educational levels, and interpretive techniques. Other staff interpreters provide daily guidance and assistance in developing and presenting programs and publications. Leadership Development:
Presenting Project Results:
Physical/Natural Environment:
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (NHOTIC) is a 500 acre site with a large Interpretive Center located on Flagstaff Hill, the site of a gold mine dating back to 1894, which is still a semi-active operation today. The site emphasis is on the history of the Oregon Trail, with a one-mile stretch of trail ruts crossing the site. It is located on a sagebrush, high desert area of rolling hills, with Flagstaff Hill being a major viewpoint of a large area, including Elkhorn Ridge of the Blue Mountains to the west, the Wallowa Mountains and Seven Devils to the east. It is on the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, and many visitors are combining a trip to the Interpretive Center with a tour to Hells Canyon, which is about a 90-minute drive to the east. Virtue Flat and Flagstaff Hill were home to significant gold mining activity beginning in the 1860s, and gold mining is a major part of the history and culture of Baker County, with many historic mine sites still existing. Gold mining, and its role in westward migration, are a major story of the interpretive center, which includes a replica five stamp gold mill and gold panning demonstration area.
NHOTIC is in the Blue Mountains, an area of high mountains and broad fertile valleys. There are three groups of rocks exposed: metamorphosed and deformed marine volcanic sedimentary and intrusive rocks of Paleozoic and Mesozoic age; intrusive rocks (mostly granitic) of Jurassic and Cretaceous age; unmetamorphosed volcanic (mostly basalt) and lake bed sedimentary rocks of Tertiary age. Work Environment:
Participant will be provided a desk and computer workstation in a well lighted and ventilated modern office. Some work will take place outdoors, mainly on the site or nearby sites. Summer temperatures are generally reasonable with some days rising into the 90s (F) and occasional thunderstorms. Snowstorms in late June have been known to occur. Elevation in Baker City is 3500 feet, and at the Interpretive Center, nearly 500 feet higher. County landscapes include sagebrush desert, forested mountains, lakes and rivers. Baker City is a two hour drive from Boise, Idaho which has a full service airport, and 90 miles from Pendleton, Oregon which has a limited service commercial airport. I-84 runs through eastern Oregon, and through Baker City. Baker City includes large grocery stores and specialty shops and restaurants in a historic downtown area. Cultural amenities include art galleries, coffee shops, wine bar, brew pub, theater, running path, community events and festivals. Qualifications:
A minimum of one year of course work in the geosciences or a related field is desired. Applicants will also need a general knowledge of principles and techniques of education for different age groups, and understanding of state educational curriculum guidelines and benchmarks. Solid knowledge of one or more aspects of natural history and the history of eastern Oregon would be helpful. Writing skills and a basic understanding of graphic layout sufficient to develop drafts of printed products and to communicate ideas to a graphics specialist. Ability to work with and communicate effectively with other interpretive specialists and volunteers with varying cultural and educational backgrounds and areas of specialty. Ability to use basic word processing software and programs such as PowerPoint or PhotoShop for preparing graphics and presentations, and a camera. Applicant must pass a security background check before beginning work. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.
Vehicle / Driver's License Requirement (If applicable):
n.a. Position Dates:
Jun.-Sep. 2016, start/end dates flexible Position Duration: 12 weeks Hourly Wage: $4,848 Housing Details:
The participant will be responsible for securing and paying for his/her own housing. The nearby community of Baker City, OR, population 10,000, is within a 15-minute drive of the Interpretive Center and offers a variety of options for affordable short-term housing, including apartments and RV parks. If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact GSA's GeoCorps managers. If you have questions about any aspect of the position — description, qualifications, housing, dates — please direct them to the contact(s) listed in the project description. Remember, application materials can only be submitted online. The project contact(s) will not accept application materials sent to them via e-mail, mail, fax, etc. See the full program details at the GeoCorps homepage. PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Kelly Burns
Visitor Information Specialist
PO Box 987 22267 Hwy 86
Baker City, OR 97814
 (541) 523-1836
 k3burns@blm.gov
 Website SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Sarah LeCompte
Center Director
PO Box 987 22267 Hwy 86
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-1825
slecompt@blm.gov
Website
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