Job profile for a guide in Minnamurra Rainforest
Minnamurra Rainforest was initially established as a rainforest
education centre and funded under the "National Rainforest
Conservation Program". Minnamurra Rainforest will always
hold the provision of environmental education programs as its
core function. This function may be carried out by guided tours
and opening presentations or indirectly by interpretative signage
and displays.
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| 9F. Interpretative guide with
adults |
Over the past five years, the site has been host to a yearly average of 16,000 primary and secondary school students on excursion. Minnamurra Rainforest is the largest field education provider for school groups in the Illawarra region, and one of the largest providers of environmental education programs in the NPWS.
Throughout the year, Minnamurra Rainforest has continued to provide
educational and interpretative programs to students, tour groups
and the visiting community. The message of rainforest conservation
is being conveyed through face-to-face guided walks and educational
talks, with recent improvements made to interpretive signage around
the boardwalk, track network and visitor centre, and by the appreciation
through the visual experience within the rainforest itself.
Providing access to Minnamurra Rainforest enables visitors to
experience this rare remnant of rainforest, which initially covered
the Illawarra region. It also educates visitors, and provides
an appreciation and understanding of the importance of, and the
necessity to conserve, such environments, not only within Australia,
but also from a global community perspective.
Minnamurra Rainforest currently employs eight casual rainforest
guides (CRG), and one full time visitors services coordinator
(VSC). The VSC role consists primarily of supervising and allocating
work for casual rainforest guides; co-ordinating and managing
group bookings; and the research, design and delivery of educational
programs. Overall the position co-ordinates the education function
of the site.
The varying profiles of visitors to Minnamurra Rainforest are
matched equally by a diverse range of educational opportunities.
The formal qualifications and experience of the interpretative
staff are also wide and varied.
The qualifications and experience are as follows:
- graduate and postgraduate degrees in environmental science
- secondary science and agriculture teachers
- qualified primary teacher
- experience gained from other government agencies (CSIRO &
State Forestry)
- amateur botanists with specific knowledge of Illawarra rainforests
- local historian
- bush regenerators.
Staff are not restricted to interpreting their area of qualifications
or credentials; they are encouraged to expand and develop their
skills and knowledge in other areas. Staff are encouraged to develop
programs for special interest groups, such as staff development
and team building programs.
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| 9G. Interpretive guide teaching |
The interpretative staff at Minnamurra Rainforest educate people of all ages and
nationalities. Programs can and are tailored to suit individual
needs. There are a number of conservation issues which remain constant,
regardless of the age, or nationality of participants:
- Why we need to conserve rainforest
- Why rainforests are important
- The global effects and implications resulting from the destruction of rainforest
- What personal action can be taken
- Management issues
- Conservation and regeneration
- Rainforest flora, fauna & their characteristics.
Other areas of interest include:
- Bush regeneration and weed eradication programs
- Managing a fragile ecosystem
- Local Aboriginal culture
- Historical issues (early settlers)
- Business studies
- Ecotourism.
Careers with the National Parks and Wildlife Service 
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