Research, Planning and Interpretation Intern

NPS Unit:

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Location:

Harpers Ferry, WV

NPS Representative

Kristen Maxfield

Project Title:

Research, Planning and Interpretation

Position Description:

Projects include but are not limited to the following:

• Work with park team and partners on special projects and initiatives related to researching and documenting underrepresented history related to Storer College.

• Create a resource package, compiling existing documents and original research.

• Identification and outreach to stakeholders

• Assist in planning/presenting at least one public/stakeholder meeting to generate and develop interpretive ideas.

• Interpretive Programs to include guided walks, talks, Power Point presentations and informal talks

Learning goals:

Candidate will work closely with park team, interpretive staff and partners to create a foundation of a visitor experience plan for historic Storer College. The candidate will gain valuable experience in interpretive planning, community engagement, and interpretive programming.

Through work with the National Park Service and various partners the candidate will learn about many aspects of park resources, interpretive operations, and interpretive planning and will have opportunities as follows:

• Development of interpretive planning skills

• Development of communication and interpretive skills both written and oral

• Engaging visitors, community members and area youth to connect them to stories

• Development of facilitation skills in engaging stakeholders and the community through public meetings

Mentoring:

Candidate will work with park partners, Interpretive Rangers, Public Affairs staff, cultural resource staff and others to learn and engage with the public, community and partners.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, skills and experience desired:

• Undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree

• Excellent customer service and communication skills

• Ability and interest in research and documenting findings

• Interest in American History

• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision

• Interest in developing community engagement skills

• Enjoys working as part of a team

Additional Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled or recent graduate of an accredited HBCU institution

• Must be between 16 and 30 years of age

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or U.S. National

• Must be able to pass a federal background check

Position Dates:

May 23 through August 31, 2023

Housing Available:

Likely

Vehicle/License Required:

A personal vehicle is recommended for this site. A valid state driver's license is required to operate a government vehicle.

Work Environment:

Work will be performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings including visitor centers, museums, historic buildings, park grounds and park trails. The position will require the physical ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and perform some light lifting (up to 50 lbs.)

Comments

Harpers Ferry NHP is undergoing a change in interpretive focus, with more emphasis on lesser-told but transformative histories. The park is the site of Storer College, an HBCU that was open from just after the Civil War to 1955. This project is the first step in creating a visitor experience plan to share this school'sand its alumni'simpact locally and nationally in American history.