Title: Great Sand Dunes National Park – Visitor Services Individual Placement

　　Start/End Dates: May 6, 2024 – August 30, 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 visitation in the last several years and we are looking toward the future on innovative ways to enhance and improve visitor experience through virtual interactions, digital media, and community outreach. Great Sand Dunes has developed internship opportunities to create a deeper connection to Great Sand Dunes while also providing meaningful work for the next generation of young professionals. Individual Placements (IPs) will contribute to positive visitor experiences, and help the park address their education and interpretive goals and initiatives. The Individual Placement will gain experience with daily operations of the park, be exposed to informal interpretation opportunities, porch talks, provide education to visitors, special projects, special event planning, community outreach events and supporting the Junior Ranger Program.

　　Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include:

　　• Organize and record park statistics and inventory park publications

　　• Provide education to visitors of the park

　　• Assist with special event planning

　　• Implement the Junior Ranger program

　　• Participate in formal and informal interpretation at various park destinations

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

　　• Degree-seeking college student, recent college graduate, current high school student, or recent high school graduate

　　• Writing and verbal communication skills

　　• Microsoft software - PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

　　Training Provided:

　　• Risk management and safety, First Aid and CPR, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve policies and regulations, public presentation techniques, public presentation styles, customer service, vehicle use, resume building, resource information (natural, cultural, historical, geographical), how to master a professional interview, applying for job opportunities, professional etiquette in the workplace

　　Potential Environmental or Human Risk Involved:

　　• Uneven terrain and working in challenging weather conditions

　　Housing Provided: No

　　General Requirements:

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

　　• 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, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident

　　• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks

　　• Reliable transportation

　　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.

　　Internship is dependent on grant funding

　　Required SkillsRequired Experience