Title: NPS Education and Youth Engagement Individual Placement

　　Start/End Dates: March 4, 2024 – June 28, 2024

　　Stipend: $695 per week paid on a bi-weekly basis

　　Term: 17 weeks, 40 hours a week

　　Location:  Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Mosca, Colorado

　　Status:  675-hour AmeriCorps Service Term 

　　Benefits:  AmeriCorps Education Award $2,626.27 after successful completion and access to Employee Assistant Program

　　Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).  

　　Program Overview: The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Branch of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services supports the agency's mission through the management of a variety of interpretive and educational programs, youth engagement programs, and events that enable visitors of all ages, to understand and appreciate the park's resources. Great Sand Dunes has seen a significant increase in overall park visitation and requests from school groups in the last several years. The park has identified new educational opportunities to work with local schools, communities, and organizations to support park priorities and goals.

　　This internship opportunity will support the park's educational, interpretive and visitor services goals. The selected Individual Placement (IP) in coordination with other staff, will lead educational programming using the park's curriculum-based lesson plans, provide resources to educators to lead their own programs when the park cannot accommodate, and execute distance learning programs. The IP will also assist closely with the site supervisor to enhance partnerships with area schools and increase the number of regional schools participating in on-site and distance learning programs. They will also develop and lead formal presentations at the visitor center or community programs at the Alamosa library. The IP will assist seasonal staff in executing the park's Youth Archeology Expedition camp and they will contribute to visitor services at the visitor center.

　　Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include:

　　• Plan and implement the spring education season

　　• Present distance learning curriculum

　　• Gain experience with daily operations of the park by interacting with visitors and assisting with phone inquires

　　• Participate in special projects, special event planning, and supporting the Junior Ranger Program

　　• Plan and execute the park's public programs

　　• Present public programs

　　Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following: 

　　• College degree or degree-seeking

　　• Leading children, youth groups, participating in youth camp activities, curriculum-based programs or environmental education programs

　　• Developing presentations and delivering presentations

　　• MS word, excel, PowerPoint, and email (MS Outlook)

　　• Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period

　　Training Provided:

　　• Public presentation techniques, safe vehicle use, resume building, Environmental Education program techniques, resource information including natural, cultural, historical, and geographical resources, professional interview techniques, professional etiquette in the workplace, risk management and safety, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve policies and regulations

　　Potential Environmental or Human Risk Involved:

　　• The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field duties. This can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground, bending, crouching, and stooping.

　　Housing Provided: Park housing may be available for this position

　　General Requirements:

　　• Received or on track to receive high school diploma or GED

　　• Valid U.S Driver's License 

　　• Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status

　　• U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident

　　• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks

　　Apply Now! 

　　To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application. 

　　Contact Niki Antonio with any questions | [email protected]

　　Conservation Legacy strives to create a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to experience the outdoors and improve our shared outdoor spaces. Conservation Legacy encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Conservation Legacy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

　　Required SkillsRequired Experience