Education and Interpretation Intern at Shenandoah National Park

Title: Education and Interpretation Individual Placements at Shenandoah National Park

Positions Available: 2 Internships

Position Dates: March- September 2022 OR April– October 2020 (or 26 weeks)

Pay Rate: $300/week + shared housing + AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of 900 hr term

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

Contact: accrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org

 

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.  

 

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.

 

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: