Great Sand Dunes National Park Conservation Individual Placement - Education and Youth Program
Start/End Date: February 28th, 2022 – August 26th, 2022
Stipend: $560.00/week (+Education Award)
Term: 26 weeks
Reports To: National Park Service - Great Sand Dunes
Location: 11500 Hwy 150 Mosca, CO 81146
Status: 900-hour AmeriCorps Service Term
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $3,172.50 after successful completion
Southwest Conservation Corps’ Mission
It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment.
Program Overview:
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Branch of Interpretation and Visitor Services supports the agency’s mission through the management of a variety of interpretive and educational programs, youth camps, and events that enable visitors to understand and appreciate the park’s resources.
Great Sand Dunes has seen a significant increase in visitation and requests from school groups in the last several years. The Park has identified new education opportunities to work with our local schools, communities, and organizations to support park priorities and goals. Great Sand Dunes is developing multiple internship opportunities, recruiting from the local community to create a deeper connection to Great Sand Dunes while also providing meaningful work for the next generation of young professionals. The selected individual will lead education programming using the park’s curriculum-based lesson plans, coordinate scheduling for on-site programs, provide resources to educators to lead their own programs when the park cannot accommodate, and develop distance learning programs. They will also work closely with the site supervisor to enhance partnerships with area schools to increase the number of regional schools participating in on-site and distance learning programs. This individual will schedule, plan, and offer education programs for K-8th grade as well as develop and deliver distance learning programs. They will assist their site supervisor with conducting outreach to regional school districts. They will also provide public presentations to summer visitors and assist the park with daily operations at the visitor center.
Essential functions and responsibilities include:
- Planning and implementation of the spring education season (mid-April – mid-May)
- Develop distance learning curriculum in the spring (March and April)
- Present the distance learning curriculum during the summer season (April – August)
- Assist with visitor center operations, providing customer service on the phone and in person at the Visitor Center.
- Provide informal interpretation and presentations in the park
- Present formal public programs at the park
- Participate in special projects, special event planning, and supporting the Junior Ranger Program
Trainings provided during this term include:
- Public presentation techniques
- Safe vehicle use
- Resume building
- Environmental Education program techniques
- Resource information including natural, cultural, historical, and geographical resources
- Professional interview techniques
- Professional etiquette in the workplace
- Risk management and safety
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve policies and regulations
Desired Skills/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience leading youth groups, participating in youth camp activities, and/or developing curriculum-based programs or environmental education programs.
- Some experience developing and delivering presentations
- Knowledge of Microsoft software – PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
- Experience working with outdoor education organizations or agencies
- Experience working with K-8th grade students.
The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work. This can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground, bending, crouching, and stooping. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a degree seeking education institution or recent graduate
- U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551
- Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551
- A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
- A departure record ( INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
- Driver's License
Apply Now!
To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application.
Contact Cait at cpayne@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.