The California State Parks Department has some openings in the Antelope Valley – Tehachapi – Mojave Desert area.

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Maintenance Seasonal Park Aide

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

California State Parks is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Aides to work at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve for the 2016 Poppy season. The hours of this position may vary from 16-40 hours weekly for the 3-4 months of the Poppy bloom. Depending on funding this positions may work longer up to the maximum 9 months or 1500 hours at other park units as directed by the supervisor. Hourly wage is $10.28 per hour. Applications must be post marked no later than February 10, 2016 or dropped off in person at Tehachapi District office located at 15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster CA 93536 by close of business February 10, 2016.

Applications can be found on line at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=847

This is a uniformed position that reports to Saddleback Butte State Park. The Maintenance Aide is responsible for performing routine housekeeping and maintenance of facilities and grounds at Saddleback Butte State Park, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, and Tehachapi District office (located next to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve). The maintenance aide may be asked to assist with maintenance and housekeeping tasks at other parks.

This job is moderately strenuous. The Maintenance Aide will clean and maintain park facilities and grounds. This includes litter and garbage collection and disposal, while keeping work areas and storage facilities clean and organized. They will clean and maintain picnic tables, toilets, signs, vehicles, and tools. The Maintenance Aide will also assist with basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, vandalism repairs, road and trail maintenance, and boundary and corridor fence repairs. Additionally, the Maintenance Aide will answer questions regarding park rules, regulations, and facilities for the public and assist visitors and staff with any emergency situations as needed.

This position requires a valid California driver’s license. This position has irregular hours. The maintenance aide will work weekends, holidays and some week days. The starting wage is $10.28 an hour. This is a uniformed position and the successful candidate will be required to purchase and wear a State Park uniform, at the approximate cost of $100.00.

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Visitor Services Seasonal Park Aide

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

California State Parks is accepting applications for Seasonal Park Aides to work at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve for the 2016 Poppy season. The hours of these positions may vary from 16-35 hours weekly for  the 3-4 months of the Poppy bloom. Depending on funding these positions may work longer up to the maximum 9 months or 1500 hours at  other park units as directed by the supervisor. Hourly wage is $10.28 per hour. Applications must be post marked no later than February 8, 2016 or dropped off in person at Tehachapi District office located at 15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster CA 93536 by close of business February 8, 2016. Applications can be found on line at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=847.

The visitor services park aide will operate the entrance station at the CA Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. Duties include raising and lowering flags, cleaning inside and outside surrounding facilities, collection of park fees, complete end of day cash register accounting and associated collections paperwork. These positions are seasonal with an approximate start date of March 1, 2016. These positions are a primary point of contact for park visitors and will provide information on the park(s), giving directions to park facilities, surrounding area features and establishments. Reporting of park issues and problems to lead staff is required. Basic reading, writing and math skills are a must. Ability to speak English at a level required for successful job performance. Reliable transportation is essential due to the remote work location as well as a valid class C drivers license. This is a uniformed position and the successful candidate will be required to purchase and wear a State Parks uniform at their own expense, approximately $100.00 and complete and pass a DOJ live scan, approximately $23.00.

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Visitor Services Seasonal Park Aide

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

The Seasonal Park Aide is a uniformed position that reports to the Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park or Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, as directed by your supervisor. This position works under direction of the Museum Curator I and the Supervising State Park Ranger. The Park Aide is responsible for fee collection, providing visitor information, answering phones, informing visitors about park rules, money accountability, revenue reporting, attendance documentation, and education. Housekeeping and light cleaning are also required, as well as assisting staff or visitors with emergency situations as directed. Basic reading, writing, and math skills are a must. Applicants will also speak English at a level required for successful job performance.

The Park Aide will work at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 10:30 to 4:30 PM, a total of 12 hours per week. The park aide may also be required to work at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve during poppy season. Poppy season begins in March and ends in April or May. Poppy Reserve shifts will be 8 hours per day. Additional hours may be required, but are not guaranteed.

This position requires a valid California driver’s license. Reliable transportation is also essential due to the remote work location. This is a uniformed position, and the successful candidate will be required to wear a State Parks uniform. Newly purchased, the uniform items may cost approximately $100. This is a 9-month-long seasonal appointment. The starting wage is $10.43 an hour.

Interested applicants should complete a California State Application Form (https://jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf) and mail or deliver it to: 15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster, CA 93536, by close of business February 8, 2016.

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Volunteer Training Begins for

Poppy Reserve Wildflower Season

California State Parks is now accepting volunteer applications for the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve’s upcoming wildflower season (March through May).  Learn about the wildflowers, wildlife, history and volunteer duties at the 2-day training on Saturdays February 20^th and 27^th (new volunteers must attend both days); no experience or prior knowledge is required.  Volunteer opportunities include staffing the visitor center and gift shop, walking the trails, and/or leading tours.  After the wildflower season, enjoy volunteer field trips and other fun activities with new friends!

Volunteers may range in age from student to senior citizen, must be interested in learning, and have a positive, friendly attitude.  Applicants must complete training and fingerprinting, and a minimum of 8 hours per month is requested but scheduling is flexible.  Call (661) 946-6900 or email Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov to sign up for the training and receive an Application Packet.

When:  9 am – 3 pm, Saturdays February 20^th and 27^th  (must attend both days)

Where: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, 15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster.

Directions:  From Hwy 14, go west off the Avenue I exit and continue 15 miles.  Avenue I turns into Lancaster Road; the reserve is on the right.

From Hwy 138, go south on 170th Street West and left on Lancaster Road.  The reserve is on the left.

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Poppy Reserve Interpretive Center Opening for 2016 Wildflower Season

Beginning Saturday March 5th, the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve will be open daily from 10 am – 4 pm weekdays and 9 am – 5 pm weekends. Closing date will be determined later in the season.  The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with 8 miles of peaceful hiking trails, a picnic area, and beautiful vistas.

The visitor center, staffed by volunteers, offers wildlife and wildflower displays, a gallery of Jane S. Pinheiro’s detailed watercolor paintings, an orientation video, and gift shop featuring unique wildflower-themed items.  Guided tours about the wildflowers and cultural history of the reserve will be offered.

It is still too early to accurately predict this year’s bloom; winter rains germinated poppy seedlings but many were subsequently lost in the freezes.  El Nino rains are expected which could make this a great bloom year, but Mother Nature is always unpredictable.  Beginning in February, visitor information, wildflower updates and photos will be posted regularly throughout the season at www.parks.ca.gov, www.Facebook.com/PoppyReserve, or call (661) 724-1180 for recorded updates.  Please note, dogs are not allowed beyond the parking lot, with the exception of trained service animals.  Visitors must stay on trails and may not pick any wildflowers.

The  Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is located at 15101 Lancaster Road. From Hwy 14, go 15 miles west off Avenue I exit.  Avenue I becomes Lancaster Rd., reserve is on the right.   From Hwy 138, go south on 170th Street West and turn left at the end onto Lancaster Road.  The Reserve is on the left.

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Wheelchair Donation Needed For Poppy Reserve Visitors

The Interpretive Center at the Poppy Reserve is in need of a new wheelchair for loaning to visitors with disabilities.  Donation of a wheelchair to the non-profit Poppy Reserve Mojave Desert Interpretive Association is tax deductible and greatly appreciated! To inquire about donating, please contact president@prmdia.org or call the Mojave Sector Office at (661) 946-6092.

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Spring Tours Begin at Tehachapi Indian Village Site

California State Parks is beginning the spring tour season at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park in Tehachapi.  Although no structures remain on this Kawaiisu Native American village site, the area’s rich history comes alive through the trained volunteer tour guides and the clues that the inhabitants left behind.

Tomo Kahni means “winter home” in Kawaiisu, and rock rings mark the locations of many of the kahni, or homes, that were built of juniper boughs. Hundreds of mortar holes in the park tell of a very active past. The tour also includes Medicine Cave, Nettle Springs and a cave with pictographs- a spiritual place for the Kawaiisu.

Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site, the park may only be entered on an official guided tour. This season’s tours are offered Saturdays April 16th through June 11th.  Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. with an orientation at the Tehachapi Museum and last approximately 4 hours, which includes travel time to the park (transportation is not provided).

The tour involves a moderately strenuous 3-hour hike at over 4,000 foot elevation.  Those with heart conditions or breathing problems should not take this tour. Weather is variable, so layered clothing is recommended.  Ample drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes are also necessary (no flip-flops, dress shoes, etc.).

Tour fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-16 (age 5 and under are free, but not recommended on tours).  Tours are limited to 15 people and fill up fast so reservations are highly recommended, for an additional fee of $10 per party.  To make a reservation or for more information, call (661) 946-6092 or email Mojave.Sector@parks.ca.gov.

Where:  Meet at Tehachapi Museum, 310 S. Green Street, Tehachapi

When:  Saturdays April 16th through June 11th, 8:30 a.m. – approximately 1 p.m.

Cost:  Adults: $5, Children age 6-16: $3, Children under 5 free.

Reservations: $10 per party

Contact: Norm Lee, Mojave Sector Office, (661) 946-6092 or Mojave.Sector@parks.ca.gov