The intern will work as a partner between the interpretation division and the natural resource divisions to develop, improve, create and present interpretive materials and presentations regarding horticulture and the historic orchards of Capitol Reef National Park. Presentations may include multimedia shows, structured and impromptu talks, guided tours, and on- and off-site programs. The intern will be based out of the interpretive division and will be responsible for learning about Capitol Reef National Park and the historic orchards and disseminating information regarding resource education and protection to the public at the visitor center desk, developing and presenting interpretive orchard programs including an evening program, porch talk and orchard walk, and assisting the interpretive and natural resource divisions with improving orchard publications or informational items.

The intern will be interacting with the public and national park visitors on a daily basis. The intern should be courteous and passionate about education, interpretation and visitor outreach. The intern will be spending about 40% of their time working at the visitor center desk, 30% of their time working on orchard outreach presentations and interpretive documents, and 30% of their time giving interpretive programs to audiences of 5-50 people. The intern may assist with some other interpretive duties such as programs regarding other topics and assistance with development of additional interpretive documents.  The intern may also assist with park outreach through social media including orchard updates on Facebook and Twitter.

 The ideal intern will have a background in interpretation and/or education and be comfortable interacting with the public and public speaking. The visitor center can experience high visitation during summer months and good people skills and patience are required skills.  The intern should have experience developing educational programs for a variety of audiences, including children and adults from multi-cultural backgrounds. The intern should be proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint.  The ideal intern will also have social media skills to assist with park outreach.

Compensation

Living Allowance: $7,626 (allocated biweekly)
Education Award: $2,887.50 (May be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans.)
Health and dental benefits

Housing: The park will provide housing in a 5-6-bedroom dormitory. The intern will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas. The dormitory includes all appliances, coin-operated washer and dryer, some kitchen pots, pans and dishes.  Internet service may be provided. Heat, electricity and water are included. A phone is available in each dorm and long distance calls can be made with a calling card. Housing is located approximately a 5 minute walk from the duty station.

Timeline

17 April - 16 October 2016 (26-week appointment)

Location

Capitol Reef National Park is located near Torrey, UT. The location is remote. The nearest gas station is 10 miles away and the nearest grocery store is approximately 35 miles away. A personal vehicle is required for travel/transport outside of work. There is currently no cell service in housing or near the duty station and it is spotty in other locations. Reliable cellular service is usually only found when nearing Torrey. The intern should find living in a remote location desirable. Located in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef NP is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. In addition to unique geological resources, the park also has a rich cultural history.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree – or coursework and relevant experience – in Environmental Education, Natural Resource Management or related field;
Previous experience developing and presenting interpretive programs for a diverse audience;
Comfortable interacting with the public and public speaking;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint;
Willingness to work to accomplish the goals and mission of the NPS and GBI;
Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, traverse uneven terrain and withstand strenuous exertion;
Clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate an off-highway vehicle, as well as a 4WD pickup on paved and unpaved roads;  and
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) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.