Interpretive Host

INTERPRETIVE HOST

Become a tidepool guide, information desk attendant, and a wildlife interpreter at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area!

POSITION OVERVIEW: Hosts assist visitors of all age with emphasis on helping visitors to form connections with the site’s natural and cultural resources. Visitor safety and resource protection are key elements. Trailer/RV pads with FHU and ocean views are provided.TIME: Interpretive Hosts contribute approximately 25 hours per week; working five, 5-hour days with two consecutive days off.

DUTIES:

• Hosts greet visitors and provide interpretation, resource protection and visitor safety messages at the interpretive center

• Hosts provide point (on-the-spot) interpretation as well as resource protection and safety messages at wildlife observation areas and during roving assignments. Emphasis changes according to the season and tides, but may include gray whales, harbor seals, tidepool life, seabirds and birds of prey.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• All hosts must demonstrate excellent customer service skills, show a willingness to work with, and get along with a variety of co-workers and visitors of all ages.

• A basic knowledge of interpretive techniques, Western US history, and wildlife is helpful, but training will be provided.

• Hosts must be able to climb and descend the 130 steps down to the tidepools.

AREA INFORMATION:Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a 100-acre day-use area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (Department of Interior). The park is located on a prominent headland just three miles north of Newport, on Oregon’s scenic Central Coast. Up to 65,000 seabirds nest seasonally on the headland’s cliffs and near-shore rocks. Gray whales, harbor seals and a multitude of intertidal creatures are also visible much of the year. Peregrine falcons are often visible from the Interpretive Center. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse has been functioning as an aid to navigation since 1873. The site is open year-round during daylight hours. Visitation is over 450,000 per year.

The Oregon Coast can be very (that's very!) wet and windy during winter months. Cobble Beach tidepools are slippery. Steady feet and non-slip shoes/boots are important.

Yaquina Head is currently receiving and reviewing applications for three month periods beginning November 2020. Selections will be made no more than 12 months in advance.

Cancellations do often occur, and slots may become available at any time. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for cancellations - or phone (541-574-3143) for the latest information.

APPLYING: Please complete the on-line application. Be sure to include past supervisors' names and phone numbers or other references and their contact information.