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Year Long National Park Service Internship: Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Site Information Cane River Creole represents a microcosm of a broader American experience that includes economic, social, and political changes that impacted the nation from the 1700s through the mid-1900s. Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are two of the most intact Creole cotton plantations in the United States. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived on these lands for more than 200 years. The park tells their stories, even the difficult ones, so that future generations can learn from those stories. Position Summary The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) will help build and expand the volunteer program at Cane River Creole National Historical Park. This will include working to enhance volunteerism, partnerships, community outreach, interpretation, education, and local youth involvement. Position Responsibilities: • Work with all park teams to gain insight into the volunteer needs throughout the park and to create meaningful work for volunteers • Work with the park’s Volunteer Program Manager to increase volunteerism by recruiting a new cadre of inclusive and diverse volunteers • Reach out to the local community and organizations for volunteer support, especially Cane River's traditionally associated people, Black, Creole, and student communities • Develop short range plans to increase youth engagement through youth serving organizations including summer camps, service learning activities, and accredited volunteerism • Conduct continual community outreach within the park such as include volunteer events and public service days. • Assist with the creation of volunteer events (days of service, etc.) and park-specific events • Post volunteer opportunities on social media and volunteer.gov • One of the CVA’s main tasks will be actively engaging local residents in expanded visitor services at the park's first visitor center in the historic train depot • Attend Early Service Training and other CVA trainings throughout the year (locations TBD) Updated 10/1/2022 CVA Minimum Requirements: • Ability to work with many different types of people and personalities as well as differently abled populations • Strong written and verbal communication skills • The ability to work independently as well as on a team • Must be willing to work weekends and odd hours • Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in early April 2023 • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident • Be 18-30 years old at time of service (veterans up to 35 years old) • High School Diploma/GED • Pass fingerprint-based FBI, state criminal, and a national sex offender checks. • Be able to provide proof of a driver’s license and complete a MVR check - Must be over 21 years old or have had license for at least 3 years to be insured in this position Preferred Qualifications • Ideal applicant will have an outgoing and affable personality • Experience working in an office setting shared with others, including handling phoned, written and emailed inquiries • Currently working on or have obtained at least a 2- year, or more advanced degree in any related field such as history, education, communications, resource management, political science, or any other related field preferred, but can be substituted for relevant experience • Experience with working with individuals with diverse age and economic backgrounds • Demonstrated skills in use of Microsoft products • Strong organizational skills • Self-starter, reliable, hard working and diligent, with attention to details • Local candidates within commuting distance of the park and with knowledge of local communities are preferred Benefits: • CVA will receive a weekly stipend of $500 (additional $65/week, if housing is not provided) • Limited health care/childcare benefits • The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,495.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program • Professional development funds • Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations • Public Land Corps Hiring Authority • Week-long in-person training at NPS site with travel/meal expenses covered. Additional Information The city of Natchitoches (NACK-a-tish), the parish seat with a population of 18,000, is located 10 miles north of Oakland Plantation. Medical, dental and emergency services as well the nearest grocery and retail stores, banks, gas stations, fast food and fine dining can be found in Natchitoches. A movie theatre, bowling alley and other recreational opportunities are available. More shopping options are available in the larger cities of Shreveport or Alexandria, LA; both an hour’s drive from the park. Because Natchitoches is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, history abounds around every corner. Within Natchitoches Parish alone you can: explore Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Melrose Plantation, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum, hike Kisatchie Updated 10/1/2022 National Forest and explore the National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. Cane River National Heritage Area operates the Grand Ecore Visitor Center and the site of a Spanish Fort at Los Adeas State Historic Park. Another advantage of Natchitoches is its location to larger metropolitan areas. The park is four hours from New Orleans, LA and Dallas, TX and three and a half hours from Houston, TX. Cane River Creole NHP will provide contact information for affordable housing options within the City of Natchitoches. Past housing options included both fully furnished stand-alone apartments and apartments with shared spaces within walking distance of downtown Natchitoches. Weekend work is required. The park headquarters in located in Natchitoches, LA. The two park sites are located south of Natchitoches in Natchez, LA (Oakland Plantation - 10 miles from Natchitoches) and Derry, LA (Magnolia Plantation - 20 miles from Natchitoches). Summers are hot and humid. Average rainfall is approximately 55-60 inches per year. The area is subject to severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Facilities within a few miles of the park sites are limited to a gas station, Dollar Store, and two small cafes. Most facilities (grocery and retail stores, theater, restaurants, etc.) are in the City of Natchitoches. A Driver's license and vehicle are needed