Title: Education and Interpretation Individual Placements at Shenandoah National Park

Positions Available: 2 Internships

Position Dates: March 6th, 2023- September 15th, 2023 OR April 17th, 2023– October 27th, 2023 (28 weeks)

Pay Rate: $500/week + shared housing + AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of 900 hr term

Status: 40 hours/week, Full-Time/Temporary

Contact: accrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org

The Appalachian Conservation Corps:

The Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization, whose mission is to connect young adults to meaningful conservation service. ACC engages motivated young adults to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the region. ACC works with a variety of land management agencies throughout the state such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy. Interns and Crews complete technical and/or specialized projects depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises.

Our programs focus on place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment, environmental issues and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers.

Position Summary:

The Education and Interpretation Individual Placement is an internship position based at Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) in Virginia. Interns may work out of Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (North District, mile 4.6), Byrd Visitor Center (Central District, mile 51) or the Education Office (Park Headquarters). The Individual Placement (IP) will work with and report directly to National Park Service Staff.

Interpretation and Education Individual Placements are responsible for preparing and presenting programs for the general public and educational groups including guided walks and hikes, interpretive talks, Junior Ranger programs, curriculum-based education programs, and illustrated evening programs on the Park's interpretive themes (wildlife, geology, ecology, history, climate change, ecology). In addition, IPs will prepare and present recorded virtual programs and live distance learning programs for delivery on the internet. These programs are presented in a diversity of Park locations including amphitheaters, trails, visitor centers, and historic buildings. Regular public interaction and public speaking will be a requirement. Interns also staff visitor centers and provide information and informal interpretation to visitors during fixed station and roving assignments.

The interns will spend the first half of their term working with the Education department, and the second half with Interpretation, providing a well rounded and in depth look into public facing roles at a park.

IPs receive formal training in resource interpretation and education skills, natural and cultural resources, customer service, and safety plus on-the-job training in presenting interpretive and education programs and park operations. Additional training and professional development opportunities may also be available. If you love learning, sharing what you’ve learned with others, and working hard in a team environment, these positions are incredibly rewarding.

Benefits:

• $500/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
• Housing: Park housing MAY be available for this position.
• $3,247.50 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of a 900 hour service to be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
• Possible student loan forbearance
• Member Assistance Program– 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts provided
• On-the-job training
• Additional subject-specific certifications and trainings may be offered
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, Individual Placement positions may fulfill academic internship requirements
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths

General Qualifications:

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.

• Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting
• Public speaking and presentation skills and abilities
• Interest and/or knowledge in natural and/or cultural history
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professionalism in working with project partners and park visitors
• Background in customer service or education/teaching/public presentation
• Two year degree or relevant experience in environmental education, parks and recreation, biology, geology, environmental science, or history
• Background in interpretation and/or environmental education
• Experience in the use of audio-visual equipment and computer software to create illustrated presentations and distance learning programs
• Familiarity with wilderness and back country ethics including Leave No Trace
• Interest in pursuing a career with a public land management agency