Visitor Services Intern

NPS Unit:

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

Location:

Birmingham, Alabama

NPS Representative

Project Title:

Visitor Services Intern

Position Description:

Projects include but are not limited to the following:

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

• Education and outreach to area youth

• Special events and programming

• Work closely with community partners to engage the public

• Work with park management team on a number of special projects and initiative related to park stories or management of park resources

Learning goals:

Candidate will work closely with park management team, interpretive staff and partners as part of park operations. Through special events and programming, the candidate will gain valuable experience in planning and coordination with the opportunity to serve as project lead on special projects.

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

• Development of speaking and presentation skills

• Development of skills and experience related to management of public resources and sites

• Experience as part of a team and operations as part of a new national park site

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

Mentoring:

Candidate will work with Supervisory Interpretive Ranger and other park staff to engage with the public, community and partners.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, skills and experience desired:

• Undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in History, Public History, Education or Communications

• Experience working with youth and/or diverse audiences

• Excellent customer service and communication skills

• Knowledge of African American History and the Reconstruction Era (1861-1900)

• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision

• 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 19through July 29

Housing Available:

No

Vehicle/License Required:

A personal vehicle is required 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

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is a fairly new park. As part of the park team, the candidate will have the opportunity to help "stand up a new national park. The Reconstruction Era National Historic Network consists of sites throughout the nation that connect to the Reconstruction Era. The candidate will have opportunities to work with potential sites for possible inclusion in the network. This is an opportunity to be part of something very special, working in a new NPS site that enjoys wide community support and showcases an important and often misunderstood part of American History.