Position Title:  National Park Service Education & Youth Engagement Assistant – AmeriCorps    

Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps – Los Valles, Salida CO 

Site Location: Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, 11500 State Hwy. 150 Mosca, CO 81146 

Terms of Service:   

Start Date: 04/21/2025  End Date: 8/22/2025  AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours      

 

Purpose:   

This AmeriCorps program partners with the National Park Service (NPS) at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in southern Colorado. This AmeriCorps position is under direct mentorship and technical guidance of the National Park Service with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC). NPS preserves unimpaired natural and cultural resources while upholding the values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration for now and future generations. Great Sand Dunes NP has seen a significant increase in overall park visitation and requests from local schools in the surrounding area. The park has identified new educational opportunities to partner with local schools, communities, and organizations to support park priorities and goals.  

  

This AmeriCorps position will assist the Branch of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services (IEVS) in leading educational programming and presentations, developing distance learning and programming, while also providing education and information to visitors about the cultural, natural, and geologic park resources. Educational and interpretive programs provided to visitors of all ages and diverse backgrounds help folks understand and appreciate the parks, which fosters community and connection to our public lands and continued stewardship of our national parks and the natural world. 

  
Description of Duties:   

Serve alongside education coordinator to implement curriculum-based programming to students/children Develop and present distance learning curriculums Gain experience with daily park operations by engaging with visitors and providing education about the park Support Junior Ranger Program and assist with planning Junior Ranger Day  Participate/Lead Archaeology Field Camp by leading groups of middle school ages student in field-based research and programming Youth outreach programming in local communities  

 

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:  

Slips, trips, falls with uneven and varied terrain  Variable weather ranging from freezing cold temperatures to hot temperatures 

  
Required Qualifications:   

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident  At least 17 years of age   Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award   Valid U.S. Driver’s License   Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check  Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

College degree Experience leading youth groups, participating in youth camp activities, developing curriculum-based programs or environmental education programs Experience developing presentation and public speaking Experience working with K-8th grade students Competency using MS word, Excel, PowerPoint and email applications  Ability to interface with members of the public 

 

Physical Requirements:   

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.   

 

Time Requirements:   

Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service    Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.     

 

Orientation and Training:   

Member will receive an in-depth orientation provided by Southwest Conservation Corps that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities  Partner will provide appropriate orientation and training(s) for field activities including First Aid/CPR 

 

Benefits:   

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14  Living Allowance of $600 per week  Additional Benefit of $130 per week  Potential for Park Service housingHealthcare Coverage if Eligible    Professional development opportunities with both SCC and NPS Two SCC field shirts  Childcare Coverage if Eligible   Loan forbearance if Eligible   Interest Payments if Eligible     

 

Evaluation and Reporting:   

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.   

 

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.   

    

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:   

Individual Placement Program Coordinator – Niki Antonio (she/her)  

Contact Information: nantonio@conservationlegacy.org

 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.