WILDERNESS EDUCATOR INTERNSHIP

BAXTER STATE PARK, MAINE

The Information and Education Division of Baxter State Park is looking for a mature, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and creative individual to fill the position of Wilderness Educator. This position will undertake natural resource-based projects and provide public environmental/conservation education via public contact on Katahdin, children's programs, community environmental education, informal handouts and postings, among other duties. The I&E Division uses teaching methods which embody experiential learning in the out-of-doors. Program planning resources are provided and interns are encouraged to be creative in the creation of their programs.

Baxter State Park has over 209,00 acres of mountainous wilderness and managed forest and is home to Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. This unique Park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Eastern United States and has many rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Throughout his lifetime, Governor Baxter purchased the land that comprises the Park and gave it to the State of Maine with the stipulation that it remain "forever wild" with the mission of preservation and protection of the resource first and foremost and recreational pursuits of secondary importance. He then left a trust fund to ensure the Park was self sustaining with no State funds or taxes supporting its operations. Over 200 miles of hiking trails provide enjoyment to over 60,000 visitors each year and more than half of those visitors hike Katahdin.

The position will assist the Park Naturalist and Interpretive Specialist in the following:

• Perform foot patrol and public contact on Katahdin and other designated high use areas in the Park.
• Create and facilitate children's nature programs both in the Park and in area schools and libraries.
• Participate in citizen science inventory/monitoring efforts, including Mountain Plant Watch and Loon Count.
• Provide information and education to Park visitors at the Visitor Center.
• Update information and education handouts and signage throughout the Park.
• Coordinate and attend workshops for staff, environmental educators, teachers and the general public, i.e., Project Wild, Project Learning Tree and Invasive Plant Workshops.
• Learn about the management of a multi-use area with wilderness values, primitive backcountry facilities and trails.

Training/Education Provided:

• Wilderness First Aid
• Leave No Trace 2-day Trainer Course
• Training on Park trails, including Katahdin and other mountains
• Possible work with researchers who have been approved for various projects in the Park.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in natural sciences, education, or environmental education desired.

Desired Abilities:

• Effectively communicate with strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate good people skills, including being outgoing and friendly.
• Hike extremely rugged terrain over the six month period.
• Work independently
• Live in a primitive shared housing situation or alone in remote situations without electricity.
• Take a leadership role with two 3-month SCA interns.
• Work cooperatively with fellow employees, supervisors, and management.

Requirements:

• Available to work 6-months starting May 16, 2010 through October 30, 2010.
• Current and valid driver's license.
• Work a 40-hour week, including every weekend with Monday and Tuesday as days off.

Stipend:

$325/week plus housing and a Park vehicle for work use only.

To apply: Use the application form on our website, www.baxterstateparkauthority.com or request an application by emailing marcia.williamson@maine.gov. Send the completed application, resume, and cover letter to Marcia Williamson, Interpretive Specialist, Baxter State Park, 64 Balsam Drive, Millinocket, Maine 04462, or email: marcia.williamson@maine.gov or FAX (207) 723-6381.

"This job has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. This position has a special place in my heart because you work so much with people concerning the subject of respect, understanding and love for the environment. I loved my position and I love the people I worked with even more. My heart will forever be in Baxter State Park..." Margaret M., Environmental Educator 2008.