NPS Colorado Curecanti NRA/Black Canyon Gunnison Outreach/Education Internship

American Conservation Experience:

NPS Colorado Curecanti NRA/Black Canyon Gunnison Outreach/Education Internship

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service Curecanti National Recreation Area/Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (CURE/BLCA), is seeking two Education Interns interested in dedicating 13 weeks in support of the National Park Service in implementing a curriculum based program in resource education and protection.

This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in natural resource management and education. CURE/BLCA is unique among America’s National Parks.  The Black Canyon is unrivaled in North America with its narrow opening, sheer walls, and breathtaking depth, while three reservoirs, named for corresponding dams on the Gunnison River, form the heart of Curecanti NRA.

Start Date:  August 20, 2012          

End Date:  November 16, 2012

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A 13-week commitment is required

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Location:  The position is typically stationed at Elk Creek in Curecanti NRA (15 miles west of Gunnison, CO). Some interns may be stationed at the South Rim of the Black Canyon (five miles from Montrose, CO). Staying off site will not be a consideration for interns who have not previously worked at CURE/BLCA.

Project Partner Website:  For more information regarding the Curecanti NRA, Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, or the National Park Service, please visit: www.nps.gov/cure/index.htm or www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm

Compensation:     The ACE intern will work 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $150/week.  A $300 completion bonus will be awarded upon successful completion of the internship.  Dormitory housing is provided by NPS (no pets or family members).  The Intern will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel.

Position Description:  In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental work performed by Education Intern is:

Resource Education – Educating area children, teachers and parents about the significance and uniqueness of park resources, conservation, and ecologically sound practices and the laws, rules, and regulations developed to protect park resources and provide for their safe and non-consumptive use.

Resource Protection – Preserving the natural and cultural resources of the park by preventing degradation of ecosystems, historical structures and artifacts and by preventing the loss and theft of objects, flora, and fauna through information and education.

This will be achieved through the implementation of a curriculum-based education program.

Project Background and Objectives:  Curecanti NRA/Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP has a long-standing curriculum-based education program. Since 1985, the program has grown to serve over 5,000 students and 500 teachers and parents annually. There is extensive program for grades K-12 with the majority of outreach conducted in classrooms throughout surrounding communities. Demand for park programming is high and facilitates strong relationships throughout the community.

Scope of Work:  The position is 40 hours/week. At least one day/week will be dedicated to program/lesson preparation.  Up to four days/week will be spent teaching resource-based lessons in schools or leading field trips. Projects include developing new lesson plans, maintaining program statistics, and creating visual aids.

Lessons are guided by Colorado state and national standards and emphasize science, language arts, art, mathematics, and physical education. Lessons and field trips are provided at no cost to schools or teachers and classroom teacher evaluates lessons each time they are taught. The NPS Education Specialist also provides coaching throughout the internship, allowing interns the chance for continuous improvement.

The Intern will serve the NPS CURE/BLCA mission by enthusiastically working to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Provide outreach education programs to pre-K to middle school aged students (60%)
• Program preparation, lesson revision, lesson development, related activities (20%)
• Riding in and driving government vehicles (15%)
• Assistance with office projects and park emergencies (5%)
• Intern will wear the Volunteer in Parks (VIP) uniform

Training Provided: The intern will receive training in park resource knowledge, delivery of curriculum-based programs, report writing, and other position related skills, as well as safety training and oversight.  ACE and NPS are committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare interns for future careers in the stewardship of America’s parks and public lands. 

Qualifications:  Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or experience in environmental education, interpretation, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline.  The intern will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group. The ACE NPS CURE/BLCA Education Intern must be willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.  Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizens or Green Card holder. 
• Must be 18 to 25 years old.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
• Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to work alone and in a group.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required. 
• Personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Deep interest in ecology, history, and respect for nature is critical. 
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
• English proficiency is imperative.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation.
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.

Physical Demands: The Education Internship position is high energy and can be stressful, due to the volume of contacts and travel requirements. The position may require driving in rain, snow, on icy roads, before sunrise, and after sunset. It requires working with all ages of children, in any educational setting, as well as with teachers, aids, and parents. The position requires walking up to four miles over uneven terrain at elevation while leading educational groups. Travel to and from schools may cover up to 240 miles per day. Some workdays may exceed 8 hours, but any given workweek should not exceed 40 hours.

To Apply:  Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references in ONE document by to intern@usaconservation.org with “NPS CURE/BLCA Education Internship-Stopdodo Referred” in the subject heading of your email.  NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received.  If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to call the Conservation Internship Supervisor, Melissa Burns at (801) 946-5379.