Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit youth conservation corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) at Pinnacles National Park is seeking TWO Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services Interns to commit 16 weeks to participating directly with the park staff at Pinnacles National Park.

This opportunity is ideal for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in outreach and education programming through hard work and commitment to the National Park Services’ rich and unique natural and cultural resources.

Start date: September 16, 2019 (some flexibility for the right candidate)

End Date: January 4, 2020 (or 16 weeks from the start date)

* A 16-week commitment is required *

Location: Pinnacles National Park, CA

Pinnacles National Park is located in California’s Central Coast region of the Gabilan Mountain Range east of the Salinas Valley. The surrounding landscape is largely chaparral with areas of oak savannah and grasslands. The position is located at the eastside park headquarters in Paicines, CA. Nearest communities for shopping, doctors, hospitals, and other amenities are Hollister (40 miles, population 34,400), King City (40 miles, population 11,000), Gilroy (65 miles, population 41,400), Salinas (70 miles, population 151,000), and Monterey (90 miles, population 30,000).

Pinnacles National Park is fairly remote. Applicants must have a personal vehicle, as the nearest services are a one-hour drive in any direction. Additionally, there is no cell-phone service in the park.

Compensation: The ACE Intern will be expected to contribute 40 hours/week (80 hours in a pay period). Park housing may be available for this position. If park housing is provided, the ACE member will receive a living allowance of $360/week for food and incidentals, paid out every two weeks. If park housing is not provided, the ACE member will receive a living allowance of $440/week.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour (~$1,566.14) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of internship service hours. Additional enrollment is required.

Position Description:  The primary objective of the position is to independently provide high quality interpretive services through contacts at the visitor information desk, formal and informal interpretive programs, and special event management assistance to improve the public’s understanding and appreciation for Pinnacles National Park.

The duties of the intern will include:

• Providing information and interpretive walks to park visitors.
• Conducting roving interpretive and resource protection patrols along a variety of trails.
• Developing and presenting professional thematic interpretive programs such as guided hikes, Ranger talks, Junior Ranger and evening programs to present the huge array of park resources to a variety of audiences. Programs will be within the park as well as offsite locations.
• Staffing the visitor center, contact stations and/or the nature center.
• Presenting curriculum based education programs to school groups from 2nd -12th grade based on California content standards.
• Assisting with public outreach through management of the park’s social media, webpage, and press releases.
• Answering phones, checking voice mail and responding to all messages daily.
• Participation and assistance with special projects, such as National Service Events, Every Kid in the Park Program, Sister School Project, Camp Pinnacles and other park interpretation opportunities.
• Tracking and entering statistics on visitor services.
• Cross training by working with other divisions in the park.
• Additional duties as assigned

Training:  The park and park staff will provide opportunities in leadership development and career exploration within the field of land management. The park will provide training on park resource information, operating procedures, and safety protocols.

Qualifications: Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or experience in education/interpretation, communications, conservation, environmental education, environmental studies, natural resource management, park management, or a related discipline. The intern will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group.

Required:

• Must be a US Citizens or Permanent Resident.
• Must be 21 to 35 years old.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
• Ability to work well with staff and a diversity of park partners.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, ability to provide documentation, and personal vehicle for the duration of this position.
• Must have a passion for outdoor and resource education.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• Applicants must have a personal vehicle for duration of position.

Preferred:

• Experience and proficiency working with children.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Local applicants are encouraged to apply.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

This position will likely have recurring (regular, scheduled or anticipated) access to vulnerable populations.  State and Federal Criminal History Checks will be required for participation.

The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.  Drug users, including recreational smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying.  ACE reserves the right to require drug testing in our program.