BACKGROUND  Founded in 1988, San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is a public lands conservation non-profit working in partnership with the San Juan National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest, Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) providing outreach, education, and stewardship throughout southwest Colorado.

JOB SUMMARY  SJMA is hiring two public lands ambassadors to work in partnership with the BLM educating Alpine Loop visitors by promoting Stay on the Trail Principals, utilize “Leave No Trace” practices, track user numbers, and monitor tundra conditions while also assisting  BLM personnel with other duties as needed. These individuals will also spend time working side by side with BLM officials as a Visitor Information Specialist in the Silverton Field office providing visitor information services, answering phones, selling SJMA and BLM products, promoting interpretive products, helping provide educational and stewardship programming, and performing other miscellaneous front desk duties for the BLM.

Position Title: Seasonal VIS/Alpine Loop Ambassador

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-time, hourly (36 hours/week)

Reports To: SJMA Stewardship director

Status: At-will position

LOCATION  

• 2 days (20 hours) in the Silverton BLM office located on Greene St. Silverton, CO.  
• 2 days (20 hours) in the field on BLM managed land and the Alpine Loop.

SCHEDULE

• Seasonal, full-time (36hours/week), non-exempt. The expected season is Early May through early-mid September. Typical schedule: 4 days on, 3 days off, 9-hour days (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), Friday- Monday.
• Weekend and evening work may be required

GENERAL DUTIES & PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Educate the public on recreating responsibly in the high alpine region, promote Stay the Trail principles, and inform users of local OHV regulations.  
• Meet with visitors to provide information concerning points of interest, travel routes, historical and natural features, site use opportunities and limitations, and park activities.  VIS/Alpine Loop ambassaador_Summer 2026
• Perform the array of Visitor Information Service duties, such as answering telephones and in-person inquiries in a courteous and professional manner and helping to administer daily operations.  
• Communicate and coordinate with BLM staff to stay up-to-date on public lands recreation and visitor information.  
• Encourage visitors to “Leave No Trace” and “Recreate Responsibly”  and to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations.  
• Become familiar with the SQUARE POS system and perform merchant functions of SJMA merchandise.
• Present a positive image of the area and of the BLM; ensuring visitor contact is conducted in a courteous, professional, and friendly manner.  
• Advise visitors concerning safety, fire prevention, amenities available, and proper and authorized uses of recreational facilities.  
• Assist in posting daily weather, flash flood, and road conditions for the safety of visitors, and assist BLM employees in closing areas when conditions warrant.
• Provide applicants information on issuance of permits; take initial application for permit; inform permit holders of action required to correct minor violations of permits and report major violations to supervisor.
• Assist BLM personnel in maintaining and stocking bathroom facilities on the Alpine Loop as well as removing trash from the backcountry.
• Work with volunteers to complete scheduled projects and help implement new volunteer projects.
• The successful candidate will possess a combination of the following skills/qualifications:  

Core Qualifications

• Must be able to drive off-highway vehicles through high-country (often very) rough roads,  driving for long periods of time.
• Obtain a government drivers license
• Travel and work in remote settings with the ability to work independently
• Proficient in record keeping and recording data.   
• Demonstrated outdoor leadership experience.
• Knowledge of public lands principles, concepts, policies, and a passion for public lands
• Wilderness First Aid is a plus but not required
• Experience with public engagement
• Experience with sales, marketing, and inventory management
• Experience with public speaking. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Terrific customer service abilities.
• Highly organized with an attention to detail. 
• Computer literacy, especially with Google Workspace and Square POS system a plus
• Strong written and verbal English Communication skill
• Knowledge of basic cash management procedures. 
• Knowledge or willingness to learn BLM regulations and systems.
• Maintain a positive attitude while working in inclement weather at high elevation (8,000-13,000 Ft).
• Employment based on passing a BLM background check within a predetermined amount of time. VIS/Alpine Loop ambassaador_Summer 2026

Physical Expectations

• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Hike short distances in all weather at high elevations
• Ability to safely use tools and equipment 
• Sit for long periods of time while driving

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS High school diploma

COMPENSATION

• $20.00- 22.00 per hour DOE. 
• A Travel Stipend may be allocated for use of personal vehicle to complete certain tasks approved by your immediate supervisor 
• 2 Uniform shirts, rain jacket, hat(s), name tag provided.
• Training included: NOLS Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, and appropriate agency training.
• End-of-season bonus awarded to seasonal staff who complete a full field season and remain in good standing with the organization. 
• SJMA offers a Simple IRA plan with a 3% match, and 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked, per Colorado law.
• This is a non-exempt position 

Benefits Include:

• Simple IRA with employer 3% matching contributions
• Paid federal holidays
• Uniform shirts, rain jacket, and Protective Equipment
• End-of-season bonus for completing full field season
• Sick time per Colorado law (1 hour per 30 hours worked)