The mission of the California Trail Center is to interpret the California Trail experience, its related themes, and provide educational and cultural enrichment to the general public. Through interpretation the Trail Center will contribute to the appreciation and preservation of historic and cultural sites and, by forging strong community partnerships, enhance sustainable tourism in the region. Interpretation is driven by a philosophy that charges interpreters to help audiences care about park resources so they might support the care for park resources. Interpretation establishes the value of preserving park resources by helping audiences discover the meanings and significance associated with those resources.

Primary Duties for the internship include:

• Research and write interpretive content on Western Shoshone culture for the Trail Center website
• Research and write interpretive content on Western Shoshone culture for brochures, waysides, and guides
• Staff the encampments at the center, and provide information about Nevada Native Cultures to visitors
• Provide content for social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest…)

Compensation & Timeline: 

There are two different timelines available depending upon applicant availability:

• 12-week appointment beginning May 16, 2016 (or upon availability)
  • Living allowance: $4,000
  • AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,515.55*
• 8-week appointment beginning May 16, 2016 (or upon availability)
  • Living allowance: $2,667
  • AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,212.44*
  • Housing Stipend: $75.00/week
  • Full-time, up to 40 hours per week

AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future educational experiences including, but not limited to, paying off/down federal student loan debt and is valid for up to seven (7) years after completion of a term of service.

Location:

The California Trail Interpretive Center (Trail Center) is located 8 miles west of Elko, Nevada, just off I–80. The Trail Center is administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Elko District Office. The majority of the work will be performed inside the Trail Center and on the center grounds. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in historic interpretation and all aspects of Interpretive/Visitor Center operations.

Qualifications:

• Must be age 35 or younger on first day of internship;
• Knowledge of Western Shoshone Native Culture;
• Experience, knowledge, or interest in Interpretation, desirable;
• Knowledge of Native American skills and crafts;
• Experience with historic and academic research;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license;
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) Adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) Will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

This position will have access to vulnerable populations. Applicants will have to go through a background check including FBI fingerprint check, State repository checks, and a National Sex Offender Public Registry name search. Member will not be allowed unaccompanied access to vulnerable populations until background check is completed and reviewed.