Year Long National Park Service Internship: Moores Creek National Battlefield

Location: Currie, NC Program Details: Stewards Individual Placements provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train a diverse group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to local communities. Community Volunteer Ambassadors (CVAs) support Volunteer-in-Parks programs at National Park Service sites nationwide. This ranges from National Park, National Monuments, National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, National Recreation Areas, and more. The Community Volunteer Ambassador Program was developed to support NPS sites in connecting with their local communities through service and to provide young adults with a professional development opportunity within the National Park Service. CVAs provide capacity for NPS sites to establish community partnerships, develop new volunteer opportunities, and build volunteer program resources. Site Information The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, fought Feb. 27, 1776, was the first decisive Patriot victory of the American Revolution. The victory led delegates from North Carolina to the Continental Congress to seek out and vote for independence, making it the first colony to take such a drastic step toward breaking away from England. Today the site is an 88-acre site with a variety of natural and cultural resources. The site has an active living history program, as well as a historic weapons program. This is mostly volunteer-driven with oversight led by NPS staff. The park also has volunteers in the visitor services division, as well as the maintenance division. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has cut down on the park volunteer program to the point where the park is essentially starting over with its program. Position Summary A CVA will help Moores Creek National Battlefield reinvigorate its volunteer program. The park has noticed an extreme decrease in volunteers coming out to the park and are in need of help with targeted recruitment. The park also sees a unique opportunity to reach people in our local community. The CVA will help carry out these outreach efforts. Position Responsibilities: CVA's responsibilities include: • Conduct Outreach events on and offsite • Participate in special park events, such as the park anniversary. • Attend volunteer fairs to help recruit new volunteers. • Participate in community events as a park representative. • Conduct meetings with local organizations in order to better interpret sensitive park stories. • Develop a volunteer/outreach calendar to help park recruiting efforts in the future. • Evaluate park volunteer materials such as the volunteer handbook and volunteer recognition documents. • Occasionally work at the visitor center desk and provide informal interpretation to park visitors. Updated 5/9/2022 • Occasionally work with other park divisions, such as Facilities Management, to get a well-rounded view of park operations. • Participate in both onsite and offsite learning/training opportunities, including traveling to other NPS sites to learn more about other parks and their operations. • Plan a community event highlighting recreational opportunities at Moores Creek National Battlefield. This will include helping to dedicate new exhibitry, information kiosks, etc. • The CVA will work with the park's education coordinator to begin the process of building a strong youth volunteer corps. CVA Minimum Requirements: • Outgoing and friendly • Good team player • Someone with an interest in a career with parks and rec, customer service, etc. • Good customer service. • Willingness to learn • 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 • 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. • Pass fingerprint-based FBI, state criminal, and a national sex offender checks. • Have reliable form of transportation. Preferred Qualifications • Local applicants are preferrable as the park does not have onsite housing. However, the park will help the chosen candidate in securing affordable housing. • Ability to express oneself clearly. • Experience in engaging general public 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 • Applicants main schedule will be during the week. The occasional weekend day will be required. • The park is in a rural area (about 20 miles from Wilmington, NC), so a driver's license is highly recommended. • Bandwidth at Moores Creek is spotty at times. • CVA may need to go home to complete remote learnings.