Interpretation and Education Internship

Northwest Youth Corps – John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Kimberly, OR

Summary: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is recruiting 1 (one) Interpretation and Education Intern beginning in April and serving through August 2024 (17 weeks). The intern will be trained and offer interpretive walks, talks, social media posts, and guided tours of a historic ranch. They will also work at the visitor center helping the public plan their visit to the three site units and encouraging safe discoveries and experiences during their stay.

About Northwest Youth Corps (NYC):

Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1984 to offer teenagers and young adults an education-based work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. Today, we serve over 1,000 youth and young adults each year across a four-state region who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to local and national disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities (time percentages):

Visitor Center 65%

Duties include general orientation and information for visitors, assisting with the Junior Ranger program as well as providing interpretive pop-up/patio talks.

Classroom and on the job Training 15%

Education Program Assistance 10%

Duties include on site and virtual programming assistance.

Social Media 10%

Duties include producing posts, video clips, etc.

Required Qualifications: 

• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings during high temperatures, wind and on uneven ground.
• Willingness to work as part of a positive and collaborative team.
• Public speaking skills, high quality customer service skills, and IT skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Willingness to submit to a government background check.
• Current valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• A passion for sharing the park and its resources with the public.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience in presenting informational or educational talks to the public.
• Experience teaching and/or leading youth, conservation, reforestation and/or outdoor rec skills.
• Ability to absorb and apply a great deal of information quickly and accurately.

Duty Location:  Duties are performed within John Day Fossil Beds National Monument’s three units located near Kimberly, OR 97848.

Terms of Employment:  Intern will complete a term of service starting in early June through September or October (subject to intern availability) The intern must complete a minimum of 680 service hours by the end of their term. The intern will receive a 30-minute lunch each day and this lunch break does not count towards intern service hours.

Program Benefits:

• Interns will earn $9,680 prorated monthly throughout the 17-week term of service.

Additional Information

If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Program Coordinator Abi Snow: abigails@nwyouthcorps.org or 541-654-4704 or Katheryn Sommer, Acting Chief of Interpretation: katheryn_sommer@nps.gov or (541) 987-2333 x1237.   

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).