Position Title:  National Park Service Interpretation 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 in the last several years and is looking for innovative ways to enhance and improve visitor experience through virtual interactions, digital media, and community outreach. 

   

This AmeriCorps position will assist the Branch of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services (IEVS) with operations, informal interpretation, porch talks, and event planning. The position will foster a deeper connection to the Great Sand Dunes, while also providing meaningful service for the next generation of young professionals. By providing knowledge and guidance in the park this AmeriCorps position will connect with visitors allowing them to develop a more thorough understanding of Great Sand Dunes, the communities in the San Luis Valley, and the natural world. 

   
Description of Duties:    

Assist with special event planning and community outreach Assist with park data collection Provide education to visitors of the park Implement the Junior Ranger program Participate in informal and formal interpretation at various park destinations Informal interpretive opportunities including roving busy areas in the park to engage with visitors Participate in preventative search and rescue operations by informing visitors of extreme heat hazards, dehydration, and sun exposure  

 

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:   

Degree-seeking college student, recent college graduate, current high school student, or recent high school graduate Strong writing and verbal communication skills Reliable transportation Knowledge of Microsoft software  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 Wednesday to Sunday 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 and Preventative Search and Rescue 

  

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 housing Healthcare 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.