Position Title: Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) AmeriCorps Member with Niobrara National Scenic River

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Niobrara National Scenic River
214 W. Highway 20; Valentine, NE 69201

 Terms of Service: 18 weeks

• Start Date: 06/22/2026
• End Date: 10/23/2026
• Application Deadline: 05/24/2026 (or until filled)
• Number of Positions Available: 1
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

Stewards Individual Placements & Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) Initiative:
Stewards Individual Placements provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural and cultural resources.  The Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) initiative aims to increase access to the outdoors for all Americans.

Are you passionate about expanding access to public lands and creating welcoming outdoor experiences for all visitors? Do you believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy our National Parks? Our health, our planet, and our collective future rely on variety – in thought, ability, experience, and ideas.  Join the Youth Empowerment Stewards (YES) program and contribute to strengthening park operations and enhancing the visitor experience by helping to remove barriers to outdoor access—ensuring that our national parks remain open, accessible, and welcoming to all Americans.

Niobrara National Scenic River:
The Niobrara National Scenic River protects 76 miles of diverse geology, wildlife, and scenic beauty in north-central Nebraska.  Its mission is to preserve these exceptional natural and recreational values while supporting responsible public use and partnering with local communities and landowners to ensure long-term stewardship of the river. 

Role of YES Member at Niobrara National Scenic River:
The Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) AmeriCorps Member at Niobrara National Scenic River will support the “Niobrara 35 & America 250: Accessible Adventures” initiative, an environmental stewardship project focused on expanding access/usability, improving the visitor experience, and strengthening community partnerships. The selected YES Member will begin an assessment and offer ideas on a Universal Design plan for the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail at Smith Falls State Park, a partner site. This plan will assess current trail conditions, identify access barriers, and recommend improvements consistent with ADA standards and National Park Service guidance.

In addition to Universal Design planning, the YES member will contribute to adaptive recreation programming, including supporting the coordination and delivery of adaptive paddling clinics (canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding) for the general public and for veterans, as well as assisting with an adaptive fishing clinic.

Throughout the 18‑week term, the YES Member will conduct field assessments, collect environmental and accessible data, create and update visitor‑facing information, and assist with community outreach. This role will also collaborate closely with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, local veterans’ organizations, community groups, volunteers, and park staff to build strong local partnerships and support inclusive public programming. By improving physical access, interpretive programming, and community engagement, the YES member will help ensure that Niobrara National Scenic River’s 35th Anniversary and America 250 celebrations are welcoming and accessible for all visitors.

Description of Duties:

To achieve the goals of this YES position, the member will:

• Lead the field assessment of the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail
  • Document access barriers
  • Measure trail features and evaluate/describe trail surfaces
  • Identify and suggest locations for rest areas, signage, and improvements aligned with Universal Design principles
• Assist in planning, preparing, and delivering adaptive paddling clinics
  • Set-up adaptive equipment, support participant needs, assist with safety logistics
  • Collaborate with local partners such as the Nebraska Game & Parks commission
  • Provide outreach to local Veteran groups
  • Gather evaluation information
• Website improvements with expanded access information
  • Review, update, and expand online visitor information

 Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Be between the ages of 18-30 (or up to age 35 with Veteran status)
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Able to commit to 18 weeks of service
• Have a connection to the disability community

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Bachelor’s degree (or the pursuit of a degree) in a relevant field (Parks & Rec., Recreation Therapy, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, etc.)