Great Sand Dunes National Park Conservation Individual Placement - Visitor Services (2)

Title: Great Sand Dunes National Park Conservation Individual Placement - Visitor Services (2)

Start/End Date:  August 15, 2022 – December 9, 2022

Stipend:  $620.00/week (+Education Award) 

Term:  17 weeks 

Reports To:  National Park Service - Great Sand Dunes

Location:  11500 Hwy 150 Mosca, CO 81146

Status:  675-hour AmeriCorps Service Term 

Benefits:  AmeriCorps Education Award $2,417.14 after successful completion. 

Southwest Conservation Corps’ Mission 

It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment. 

Program Overview: 

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Branch of Interpretation and Visitor Services supports the agency’s mission through the management of a variety of programs and events that enable visitors to understand and appreciate the park’s resources.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has seen a significant increase in visitation in the last several years and we are looking towards the future on innovative ways to enhance and improve visitor experience through virtual interactions, digital media, and customer service. Great Sand Dunes in developing multiple professional development opportunities recruiting from the local community to create a deeper connection to Great Sand Dunes, while also providing meaningful work for the next generation of young professionals. These individuals will contribute to positive visitor experiences, help the park address their education and interpretive goals and initiatives. The intern will be assisting visitor center staff with operations, informal interpretation, customer service on the phone and in person at the Visitor Center, special projects, special events planning, and supporting the Junior Ranger Program.

Essential functions and responsibilities include:

• Organize and record park statistics and inventory park publications
• Develop social media posts
• Assist with visitor center operations – answering phones, interacting with visitors using COVID safety protocols, assisting in the park store, providing crowd control duties
• Assist with special event planning
• Implement the Junior Ranger program
• Participate in informal interpretation at various park destinations

These individuals will learn valuable public presentation skills, event planning knowledge, gain a deeper understanding of park resources, work with park professionals, and understand the value of their public lands. Specific training includes:

• Risk management and safety
• First Aid and CPR
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve policies and regulations
• Public presentation techniques
• Public presentation styles
• Customer service
• Vehicle use
• Resume building
• Resource information (natural, cultural, historical and geographical)
• How to master a professional interview
• Resource for applying for jobs and colleges
• Professional etiquette in the workplace

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Degree seeking student or recent high school graduate
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Reliable transportation
• Knowledge of Microsoft software (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word)

The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work. This can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground, bending, crouching, and stooping. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. 

Requirements: 

• U.S. Citizenship
  • Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551
  • Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551
  • A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
  • A departure record (INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
• Possess a valid Driver's License for at least 3 consecutive years.

Apply Now! 

To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application. 

Contact Cait at cpayne@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.