Mono Lake Committee Job Openings

Regular Full Time Position

Information Center & Bookstore Manager - NOW HIRING

Summer 2010 Seasonal Jobs

• Mono Lake Committee Intern - NOW HIRING
  1. UPDATED: December 2009
     SALARY RANGE: $8.00/hour
     STATUS: Non-Exempt, full-time
     DURATION: May 15 through Sept. 15 (flexible for students)
     ORGANIZATION: Mono Lake Committee
     LOCATION: Lee Vining, California
     SUPERVISED BY: Office Director
     
     Five Interns assist with Mono Lake Committee interpretive education programs, staffing the busy Information Center & Bookstore, and working in the Mono Lake Committee office to help carry out smooth and effective work in the areas of education, communication, policy, membership and overall operations. Duties are roughly divided between 30% time in the field leading programs, 40% staffing the information center and bookstore, and 30% working in the office. Subscribing Mono Lake Committee memberships and renewals is an important part of staffing the Information Center & Bookstore. This position is ideal for those wanting to further their interpretive and communication skills and gain experience in environmental, non-profit work.
     
     PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
     • Provide interpretive and environmental education programs at Mono Lake including guiding interpretive canoe tours on Mono Lake.
     • Staff the Information Center & Bookstore counter, providing information and answering questions for visitors, and subscribing members for the Mono Lake Committee. Duties on the front counter also include handling retail sales, stocking shelves, and keeping up store appearance.
     • Answer phones, fulfill information requests via phone, mail and email, process new Mono Lake Committee memberships, and other office tasks as needed to support successful office operations.
     • Other duties as assigned based on skills, interest, initiative and organization needs.
     
     QUALIFICATIONS:
     • Strong communications skills—both written and verbal.
     • Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and team player approach.
     • Desire to learn more about how a successful non-profit operates.
     • Ability to be flexible under a changing schedule.
     • Desire to interpret natural history and environmental water issues for the public.
     • Desire to understand and solve environmental problems from a solution-oriented perspective.
     • An ability to quickly understand complicated natural history and California water issues.
     • A car is required for work related travel (mileage is reimbursed), and a good driving record is required. Final hiring is contingent on approval of driving record.
     
     GENERAL INFORMATION:
     The Mono Lake Committee is a 16,000 member citizen's group dedicated to the permanent protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem; educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use; and promoting cooperative solutions that meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas. The local area is comprised of sagebrush steppe, piñon-juniper, and Jeffrey pine forest, 45,000 acres of Mono Lake, numerous 12,000+ foot Sierra peaks, and plug-dome volcanoes. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore is in the town of Lee Vining (pop. 400, elev. 6780'), on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park overlooking Mono Lake. The town is located adjacent to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and the Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness areas. Lee Vining is situated along Hwy 395, 27 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, California and 110 miles south of Carson City, Nevada. Intern positions are temporary, lasting from 3 to 6 months. Interns work 40 hours per week with 2 consecutive days off. Housing is available through the Committee at $175/month (sorry, no pets). Interns also receive a discount on merchandise from the Information Center & Bookstore, and get the great benefit of living in the Eastern Sierra and working for a successful environmental non-profit. Field orientation and training is provided along with First Aid and CPR certification for those who don't have it.
     
     APPLICATION PROCESS:
     Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2010. We will accept cover letters and resumes until all positions are filled. For more information and/or to apply: Please contact Erika Obedzinski at the Mono Lake Committee, P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541. Click here to download the Intern job description (PDF).
• Birding Intern - NOW HIRING
  1. UPDATED: January 2010
     SALARY RANGE: $8.25/hour
     STATUS: Non-Exempt, full-time
     DURATION: May 15 through Sept. 15 (flexible for students)
     ORGANIZATION: Mono Lake Committee
     LOCATION: Lee Vining, CA
     SUPERVISED BY: Education Director
     
     The Birding Intern position is similar to the Mono Lake Committee Intern positions, but has a special emphasis on leading interpretive bird walks, researching bird and birding issues, and assisting with the Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua. The Birding Intern works closely with five other Interns who assist with Mono Lake Committee interpretive education programs, staff the busy Information Center & Bookstore, and work in the Mono Lake Committee office to help carry out smooth and effective work in the areas of education, communication, policy, membership and overall operations. The Birding Intern’s duties are roughly divided between 35% time in the field leading programs, 35% staffing the Information Center & Bookstore, and 30% working in the office. Some work time may include assisting with bird research in the Mono Basin. Subscribing Mono Lake Committee memberships and renewals is an important part of staffing the Information Center & Bookstore. This position is ideal for those wanting to further their interpretive and communication skills and gain experience in environmental, non-profit work.
     
     PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
     • Lead weekly morning bird walks along the northwest shore of Mono Lake.
     • Provide interpretive and environmental education programs at Mono Lake including guiding interpretive canoe tours on Mono Lake.
     • Staff the Information Center & Bookstore counter, providing information and answering questions for visitors, and subscribing members for the Mono Lake Committee. Duties on the front counter also include handling retail sales, stocking shelves, and keeping up store appearance.
     • Answer phones, fulfill information requests via phone, mail and email, process new Mono Lake Committee memberships, and other office tasks as needed to support successful office operations.
     • Coordinate with a local network of organizations and individuals interested in birds and birding.
     • Assist with the coordination and implementation of California gull research on Mono Lake in late May, early July, and mid-August.
     • Research and develop materials and programs designed to promote birding as recreation in the Mono Basin.
     • Assist with the Mono Lake Fall Shorebird Count, and the annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua.
     • Other duties as assigned based on skills, interest, initiative and organization needs.
     
     QUALIFICATIONS:
     • Basic knowledge of birds and field identification through experience and/or education.
     • Strong communications skills—both written and verbal.
     • Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and team player approach.
     • Desire to learn more about how a successful non-profit operates.
     • Ability to be flexible under a changing schedule.
     • Desire to interpret natural history and environmental water issues for the public.
     • Desire to understand and solve environmental problems from a solution-oriented perspective.
     • An ability to quickly understand complicated natural history and California water issues.
     • A car is required for work related travel (mileage is reimbursed), and a good driving record is required. Final hiring is contingent on approval of driving record.
     
     GENERAL INFORMATION:
     

     The Mono Lake Committee is a 15,000 member non-profit citizen's group dedicated to: the permanent protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem; educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use; and promoting cooperative solutions that meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas.

     The local area is comprised of sagebrush steppe, piñon-juniper, and Jeffrey pine forest communities, 46,000 acres of Mono Lake, numerous 12,000+ ft. Sierra peaks, and plug-dome volcanoes. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore is in the town of Lee Vining (pop. 400, elev. 6780’), on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park overlooking Mono Lake. The town is located adjacent to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and the Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness areas. Lee Vining is situated along Hwy 395, 27 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, California and 110 miles south of Carson City, Nevada.

     The Birding Intern position is temporary, lasting from 3 to 6 months. The Birding Intern works 40 hours per week with 2 consecutive days off. Housing is available through the Committee at $175/month (sorry, no pets). The Birding Intern also receives a discount on merchandise from the Information Center & Bookstore, and gets the great benefit of working for a successful environmental non-profit. Field orientation and training is provided along with First Aid and CPR certification for those that don't have it.
     
     APPLICATION PROCESS:
     We will accept cover letters and resumes until the position is filled for the 2010 season. For more information and/or to submit cover letter and resume: Please contact Bartshe Miller, at the Mono Lake Committee, P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541, (760) 647-6595. Click here to download the Birding Intern job description (PDF).

• Canoe Program Coordinator (Filled)
  1. UPDATED: January 2009
     SALARY RANGE: $10/hour
     STATUS: Non-Exempt, full-time, seasonal
     DURATION: mid-May to mid-September
     ORGANIZATION: Mono Lake Committee
     LOCATION: Lee Vining, CA
     SUPERVISED BY:
     Education Director
     
     The Canoe Program Coordinator manages the Mono Lake Committee's weekend canoe tour program on Mono Lake and coordinates private tours. The Coordinator is responsible for running between 6-8 programs per week once the summer season begins. The Coordinator must work closely with other staff to coordinate safe, high-quality, guided programs. The Canoe Coordinator maintains the canoe equipment and manages reservations and canoe revenue. This position is ideal for those wanting to further their interpretive and communication skills, guiding experience, and to gain experience in the environmental, non-profit world.
     
     PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
     • Lead interpretive canoe tours on Mono Lake for the public each weekend, and for the Mono Lake Committee's residential outdoor education program as needed.
     • Work as a team leader in the field with other seasonal staff.
     • Manage reservations, take reservations, and organize paperwork; basic bookkeeping, process canoe tour revenue.
     • Assist with one weekend kayaking seminar.
     • Staff the Information Center & Bookstore counter, providing information and answering questions for visitors, and subscribing members for the Mono Lake Committee. Duties on the front counter also include handling retail sales, stocking shelves, and keeping up store appearance.
     • Answer phones, fulfill information requests via phone, mail and email, process new Mono Lake Committee memberships, and other office tasks as needed to support successful office operations.
     • Other duties as assigned based on skills, interest, initiative and organization needs.
     
     QUALIFICATIONS:
     • Paddling experience
     • Strong communication and leadership skills—both written and verbal.
     • Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and team player approach.
     • Desire to learn more about how a successful non-profit operates.
     • Ability to be flexible under a changing schedule.
     • Desire to interpret natural history and environmental water issues for the public.
     • Desire to understand and solve environmental problems from a solution-oriented perspective.
     • An ability to quickly understand complicated natural history and California water issues.
     • A car is required for work related travel (mileage is reimbursed), and a good driving record is required. Final hiring is contingent on approval of driving record.
     • Ability to perform heavy lifting of canoes and other equipment.
     • First Aid and CPR certification required, WFR and/or lifeguard certification is a plus.
     • Experience driving a large truck towing a trailer is helpful but not required.
     
     GENERAL INFORMATION:
     The Mono Lake Committee is a 15,000 member citizen's group dedicated to: the permanent protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem; educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use; and promoting cooperative solutions that meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas. The local area is comprised of sagebrush steppe, piñon-juniper, and Jeffrey pine forest communities, 46,000 acres of Mono Lake, numerous 12,000+ ft. Sierra peaks, and plug-dome volcanoes. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center and Bookstore is in the town of Lee Vining (pop. 400, elev. 6780'), on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park overlooking Mono Lake. The town is located adjacent to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and the Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness areas. Lee Vining is situated along Hwy 395, 27 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, California and 110 miles south of Carson City, Nevada. The Canoe Coordinator position is full-time, seasonal, from mid-May to mid-September. The Canoe Coordinator receives $10 an hour and works 40 hours per week with 2 consecutive days off. Housing is available through the Committee at $175/month (sorry, no pets). Staff receive a discount on merchandise from the Information Center & Bookstore, and get the great benefit of working for a successful environmental non-profit. Canoe training, field orientation, background natural history and water issues training are provided.

     APPLICATION PROCESS:
     We will accept cover letters and resumes until this position is filled for the 2009 season. For more information and/or to submit cover letter and resume contact Bartshe Miller at the Mono Lake Committee, P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541, (760) 647-6595. Click here to download the Canoe Program Coordinator job description (PDF).

• Mono Basin Outdoor Education Lead Instructor (Filled)
  1. COMPENSATION: $2000/month
     STATUS: exempt, full-time, seasonal
     DURATION: early May through early November
     ORGANIZATION: Mono Lake Committee
     LOCATION: Lee Vining, California
     SUPERVISED BY: Education Director
     

     Since 1995, The Mono Lake Committee has operated a successful outdoor education program connecting youth from all over the City of Los Angeles to the northern terminus of their city’s aqueduct and watershed 335 miles distant. The program is called Outdoor Experiences (OE) and it combines watershed education, experiential education, muscle-powered recreation, and stewardship projects to build understanding and appreciation for Mono Lake and the Los Angeles watershed. The program uses the historic Cain Ranch and the former aqueduct foreman’s house, now the site for the Mono Basin Outdoor Education Center (OEC). The site is leased on a long-term basis from the City of Los Angeles.

     The surrounding Eastern Sierra region is the outdoor classroom. Mono Lake and its surrounding 700 square miles of Sierra Nevada and Western Great Basin provide endless opportunities for learning, rewarding experiences, and stewardship activities. The program operates in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and operates under a priority special-use permit with the Inyo National Forest.

     Groups participating in the outdoor education program at Mono Lake include Los Angeles schools and community groups, and regional school groups from elementary school to college level. Approximately eighteen groups participate from late May through early November. Groups comprise all ages, but are often middle school to high school age ranges. The Lead Instructor position works with other Mono Basin Education Center (OEC) staff in the field, primarily the Instructor and the OE Manager.

     PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
     • Lead hikes, interactive education programs, team-building activities, and occasional canoe trips on Mono Lake.
     • Site supervision and field leadership in coordination with group leaders and chaperones.
     • Overnight stay with groups in rotation with OE Manager.
     • Assist with program site set-up, clean up, kitchen/meal supervision, and some light maintenance and improvement of site grounds.
     • Individual program development and preparation.
     • Assisting with various projects associated with the Outdoor Education Center, Mono Basin Field Station, and Mono Lake Committee Office and Information Center & Bookstore in Lee Vining in the event of group cancellations.
     
     QUALIFICATIONS:
     • Strong interpersonal communication skills.
     • At least two years experience leading or educating youth in an outdoor setting.
     • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of work, education, and life experience.
     • Applied knowledge of the natural sciences in the field.
     • Interest in teaching natural history and environmental water issues to ethnically and culturally diverse youth.
     • Ability to understand environmental problems from a solution-oriented perspective.
     • Ability to work physically outdoors with various stewardship projects and grounds improvement at the OEC site; e.g., planting trees, carrying water buckets and equipment over uneven terrain, invasive weed removal, and light trail maintenance.
     • Ability to regularly hike over uneven terrain at elevations between 6,400-9,000 feet with occasional hikes between 9,000-12,000 feet. Program hikes range between 1-6 miles, easy to strenuous.
     • Ability to occasionally lift heavy loads up to 40 lbs.
     • A car is required for occasional, work-related travel (mileage is reimbursed).
     • Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification is required by the time the position begins.
     • Final hiring is contingent on a fingerprint background check and driving record check.
     • Ability to speak some Spanish is a plus.
     • Canoe paddling experience is a plus.

     The Lead Instructor position is exempt and full-time. Hours can be variable and some days can be long. Most days off will span 2-4 consecutive days depending on schedule. The position runs from May through November.

     The OE program serves youth from different parts of Los Angeles, of varying ages, ethnic backgrounds, education level, and physical fitness. Many have never experienced a wild place beyond the city, and some groups have little or no science background. The OE program adapts to meet the needs of these youth. Staff on duty share meals, activities, housing/camping, and clean-up. There is a community atmosphere within this program that requires a myriad of staff roles—instructor, naturalist, janitor, trip leader, mentor, friend, counselor, supervisor, first-aid provider, diplomat, comedian, etc.

     GENERAL INFORMATION:
     The Mono Lake Committee (MLC) is a 16,000-member citizens’ group located in Lee Vining, California. The Committee is dedicated to the permanent protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem.

     The local area is comprised of sagebrush steppe, piñon-juniper, and Jeffrey pine forest communities, 46,000 acres of Mono Lake, numerous 12,000+ ft. Sierra peaks, and plug-dome volcanoes. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore is in the town of Lee Vining (pop. 400, elev. 6780’), on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park near Mono Lake. The town is located adjacent to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and the Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness areas. Lee Vining is situated along Hwy 395, 27 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, California and 110 miles south of Carson City, Nevada.

     Shared housing is available through the Committee at $175/month (sorry, no pets). Staff receive a discount on merchandise from the Information Center & Bookstore, and get the great benefit of working for a successful environmental non-profit.

     APPLICATION PROCESS:
     We will accept cover letters and resumes through March 19, 2010. Phone interviews begin well before this date based on applications and interest.

     For more information and/or to submit a cover letter and resume: Please contact Bartshé Miller at the Mono Lake Committee, P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541, (760) 647-6595 x 21. Click here to download the Mono Basin Outdoor Education Lead Instructor job description (PDF).

• Outdoor Education Instructor (Filled)
  1. SALARY: $1,600/month based on experience and qualifications
     STATUS: Full time, exempt, seasonal
     DURATION: May through early November
     ORGANIZATION: Mono Lake Committee
     LOCATION: Lee Vining, California
     SUPERVISED BY: Outdoor Experiences Program Manager
     
     Two Outdoor Education Instructors work with the Outdoor Experiences Program Manager in the field with the Mono Lake Committee's Outdoor Experiences program (OE). This outdoor education program primarily serves Los Angeles youth of diverse backgrounds and ages (including young adults). The program combines watershed education, experiential education, and muscle-powered recreation to build understanding and appreciation for Mono Lake and the Los Angeles watershed. The Outdoor Education Instructors assist with education program coordination and leadership for group sizes between 10 and 25 participants. Groups vary in composition and include Los Angeles schools and community groups. Eighteen to twenty-two groups participate from late May through early November.
     
     PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
     • Lead hikes, education programs, team-building activities, and canoe trips on Mono Lake. Hikes may include challenging trails and terrain around Mono Lake or in the high country of the surrounding Mono/Yosemite region.
     • Assist in guiding and supervising (along with adult chaperones provided by the individual groups) during the 5 day program duration. This may include some overnight camping on-site with groups.
     • Assist with program site set-up, clean up, kitchen help, and some superficial site maintenance. The program is run at Cain Ranch, a modest residence with basic amenities located 5 miles south of the Mono Lake Committee's headquarters which are in Lee Vining, CA.
     • Other responsibilities include: interpretive program development and preparation, and leading environmental education programs for school groups participating outside the OE program.
     • Assisting with various projects at the Mono Lake Committee Office and Information Center & Bookstore in Lee Vining in the event of group cancellations.
     
     QUALIFICATIONS:
     Strong leadership and communications skills, and the desire to teach natural history and environmental water issues to a young, ethnically, and culturally diverse youth; desire to understand environmental problems from a solution-oriented perspective, past experience working with and/or teaching young people in an outdoor setting. A car is required for occasional, work-related travel (mileage is reimbursed). Current CPR, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder is required. Final hiring is contingent on fingerprint background check and driving record check. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, and canoe-paddling experience is helpful.
     
     GENERAL INFORMATION:
     The Mono Lake Committee is a 15,000-member citizens group located in Lee Vining, California. The Committee is dedicated to the permanent protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem. The local area is comprised of sagebrush steppe, piñon-juniper, and Jeffrey pine forest communities, 46,000 acres of Mono Lake, numerous 12,000+ ft. Sierra peaks, and plug-dome volcanoes. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore is in the town of Lee Vining (pop. 400, elev. 6780'), on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park near Mono Lake. The town is located adjacent to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and the Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness areas. Lee Vining is situated along Hwy 395, 27 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, California and 110 miles south of Carson City, Nevada. The Outdoor Experience Program position is full-time, exempt, and seasonal, from May through mid-November. Housing is available through the Committee at $ 175/month (sorry, no pets). Staff receive a discount on merchandise from the Information Center & Bookstore, and get the great benefit of working for a successful environmental non-profit.
     
     APPLICATION PROCESS:
     We will accept cover letters and resumes through March 21, 2009. Phone interviews begin well before this date based on applications and interest. For more information and/or to submit a cover letter and resume: Please contact Santiago Escruceria at the Mono Lake Committee, P.O. Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541, (760) 647-6595 x 36. Click here to download the Outdoor Education Instructor job description (PDF).
• Information Center & Bookstore Assistant - NOW HIRING
  1. UPDATED: December 2009
     SALARY RANGE: $9.00 - $12.00 per hour, based on experience
     STATUS: Full-time: 40 hours a week
     DURATION: Seasonal: May 15 – September 30
     LOCATION: Lee Vining, California
     SUPERVISED BY: Information Center & Bookstore Manager
     
     The Information Center & Bookstore Assistants promote the Mono Lake Committee mission in the Information Center & Bookstore by working with our retail sales, information and membership programs. The staff in this position are the primary representatives of the Mono Lake Committee to visitors in the Information Center. The Information Center serves approximately 100,000 visitors each year.
     
     RESPONSIBILITIES:
     • Work behind the counter in the Information Center & Bookstore with our retail sales, information, education, and membership programs on a daily basis.
     • Have a thorough understanding of all Information Center & Bookstore functions and products. This includes knowing the point of sale cash register system, store opening and closing procedures, safety procedures, and a familiarity with all products in the store.
     • Subscribe new Mono Lake Committee memberships and renewals.
     • Ensure the store appearance is clean, orderly and restocked at all times.
     • Routine cleaning of store and restroom facilities.
     • Assist supervisor in reviewing the work of other seasonal staff to ensure that all tasks are being completed correctly.
     • Assist with receiving, stocking and displaying merchandise as requested by supervisor.
     • Effectively communicate the Mono Lake Committee mission, policies, Mono Lake ecology, and current events to visitors.
     • Provide visitors with detailed and accurate information about Lee Vining, Yosemite, the Mono Basin, and the Eastern Sierra.
     • Show the Mono Lake Committee DVD on a regular basis.
     • Maintain organization of the tourist information binders.
     • Maintain our high standards by being a positive role model for all staff.
     • Assist with canoe tour and seminar reservations, answering phones, and other tasks as requested by Information Center & Bookstore Manager.
     
     QUALIFICATIONS:
     • Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and team player approach
     • Enthusiasm for the Mono Lake Committee mission.
     • Ability and reliability in cash handling.
     • Ability to work well with the public.
     • Ability to work several closing shifts (until 9:30 p.m.) per week.
     • Ability to work several opening shifts (7:30 a.m. start) per week.
     • Ability to be flexible under a changing schedule.
     • An ability to quickly understand local natural history and complex California water issues.
     • Sales experience preferred, but specific training will be provided.
     • Ability to lift 40 lbs.
     • Clean driving record required for employment.
     
     BENEFITS:
     • Employee discount on merchandise in the Information Center & Bookstore.
     • Mileage is paid for all job-related travel.
     • Shared housing may be available in Lee Vining.
     • Working at Mono Lake!
     
     HOW TO APPLY:
     Please send a resume and cover letter to the Mono Lake Committee, attention Duncan King, PO Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541. Resumes and cover letters may be sent via e-mail as Microsoft Word (.doc) attachments to: Erika Obedzinski. For more information about the Mono Lake Committee and Mono Lake please visit the rest of this Website. Click here to download the Information Center & Bookstore Assistant job description (PDF).
     
     APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.
• Volunteer

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