ACE EPIC NPS NE: Homestead Interpretation and Resource Management Internship- AmeriCorps
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation, in partnership with the National Park Service at Homestead National Monument of America in southeast Nebraska, is seeking ONE Interpretation and Resource Management Intern interested in dedicating 12 weeks in support of the National Park Service by directly assisting with the monument's natural and cultural resource management, interpretation, outreach, and visitor services.
This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in resource management and interpretation.
Start Date: Late August 2018
End Date: November 2018 (12 weeks from start date)
* A minimum 12-week commitment is required *
Location: Beatrice, Nebraska
Project Website: For more information regarding Homestead National Monument of America, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm. For more information regarding the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Compensation/Benefits: The ACE intern will be anticipated to serve ~40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $215/week for food and incidentals, paid out biweekly.
- Financial reimbursement may be available to offset travel cost for relocating to Homestead.
- Onsite housing is provided by NPS (no pets or family members) at no cost to the intern.
- The intern will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel, though a personal vehicle is strongly recommended for personal travel needs.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour ($1,538.36) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of internship service hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Project Background and Objectives: Homestead National Monument of America is a National Park Service (NPS) site dedicated to telling the story of the historic Homestead Act of 1862, one of the most significant pieces of Legislation in the history of the United States, brought forth by President Abraham Lincoln. The monument is located on the site of the very first 160-acre Homestead claim filed in the Unites States. The Homestead Act of 1862 drastically impacted Westward Expansion by turning over vast amounts of public land to citizens for homesteading and settlement of the West. Homestead National Monument tells the story of the Act, its impact on America, and the exciting stories of homesteaders and settlers of the West.
Position Description: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental work performed by Interpretation and Resource Management Intern will include:
Resource Interpretation Interpreting the significance and uniqueness of park natural and cultural resources, and the laws, rules, and regulations developed to protect park resources and provide for their safe and non-consumptive use.
Resource Protection Preserving the natural and cultural resources of the park by preventing degradation of, historical structures and artifacts and by preventing the loss and theft of objects through information and education.
This will be achieved through the development and presentation of education programs, front desk public contacts, visitor services and other interpretation activities, as well as park stewardship and natural resource field projects.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Interpretation and Visitor Services (50%)
- Assist with visitor reception and engagement in the Visitor Center
- Assist visitors with inquiries regarding park resources and assist leading interpretative programs
- Directly participate in special event planning and managing park brochures and publications
Natural Resource Management (40%)
- Conduct vegetation monitoring
- Participate with exotic and invasive plant management
- Monthly water quality monitoring
Cultural Resource Management (10%)
- Clean and maintain historic furnishings in the Palmer-Epard Cabin and Freeman School (interpretative sites)
- Assist park staff with cataloging and accessioning museum objects
Training /Educational Opportunities: First Aid/CPR; Prairie plant identification; Vegetation management methods; and Visitor Center operation training. While having the opportunity to work in a variety of NPS programs, the intern will receive a well-rounded experience regarding the operation of a NPS site.
ACE and NPS are committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare interns for future careers in the stewardship of America's parks and public lands.
Qualifications:
Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have experience in interpretation, cultural resource management, environmental studies, history, ecology, biology, natural resource management, recreation management, park management, or a related discipline. The intern will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group.
Required:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Must be 18 to 35 years of age.
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
- Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to work alone and in a group.
- Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required for personal travel
- Deep interest in American history, research and respect for nature is critical.
- Must be able and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
- English proficiency is imperative.
- Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
- A Personal vehicle is required for the duration of the internship due to the remote setting of the Monument. Please contact us if this will be a problem for your candidacy.
Preferred:
- Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation.
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
- Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
- Excellent public speaking skills.
- Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.
The ACE NPS Intern must be willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with contact information for 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This posting may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC Internship Program Manager, Peter Woodruff at (801) 989-7069 or pwoodruff@usaconservation.org.