Cultural Ambassador

Purpose: The Cultural Ambassador position is located at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (MGRA) and is responsible for providing visitors with cultural and natural history information, education, and interpretive services under a co-stewardship model with Tlingit and Haida and the US Forest Service.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Provide information to visitors regarding local Tlingit and Haida culture, history and/or values.

• Support the Cultural Ambassador Supervisor in ensuring MGVSC is a safe and inclusive space for all staff and visitors.

• Be able to facilitate conversations regarding Alaska Native traditional protocol, history, and culture to educate visitors. 

• Educate and provide consistent messaging about co-stewardship and co-management, government-to-government relationships, and self-governance.   

• Facilitate educational programs on topics relevant to the area, including but not limited to, the history of the community, culture, or ecosystems relevant to the Mendenhall Glacier/Juneau area.

• Present a variety of orientation talks, guided tours (for those without mobility issues), and demonstrations to a variety of public audiences or school groups. 

• Assists with development or revision of materials, such as brochures, guidebooks, handouts, and exhibits. 

• Operate a variety of audiovisual equipment in the visitor’s center.

• Inventories and maintains stock of education materials, equipment, and supplies.

• Collect and submit data on visitor interactions and activity as requested.  

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to lead diverse groups.

• Knowledge of Tlingit and Haida community and culture.

• Ability to learn and present on topics including but not limited to, Tlingit and Haida language and introductions, traditional knowledge, history, geography, and ecosystems.

• Solid understanding of Tlingit and Haida’s mission, vision, and values.

• Strong commitment to Safety

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to take initiative and adapt to shifting priorities. 

• Knowledge of the diverse range of outdoor facilities and maintenance requirements located at MGRA. 

• Communication skills and demeanor that foster positive interactions and engagement.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Reliable transportation to place of employment. 

• High School Diploma/GED or eligibility for Tlingit and Haida employment services.

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):  None

• Education or experience with Tlingit and Haida community, culture, and language. 

• Experience as a Naturalist or knowledge of the local area.

• Related experience within the tourism industry

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Some travel may be required on small aircraft or ferry.  

• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions.  The supervisor will review these if applicable.

Conditions of Hire.

• All employment of Tlingit & Haida is “at will”.  This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time for any reason.  Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.

• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace.  All regular employees may be required to pass a pre-employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.

• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees.  All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.