Internship - Fort Laramie National Historic Site’s Interpretation and Visitor Services Intern

Internship - Fort Laramie National Historic Site’s Interpretation and Visitor Services Intern

#PO-00800067-MEM

Multiple Locations

Job Description:

Position Summary 

The SCA Internship Project will support Fort Laramie National Historic Site’s Interpretation and Visitor Services team with the goal of providing a solid experience for all park visitors throughout the period of performance (12 weeks, Summer of 2024). Interns involved in the project will gain valuable experience supporting interests in exploring careers within the field of public lands, history education and interpretation. Park staff will provide formal and informal training and mentorship for interns participating in the SCA project throughout the summer (2024). Interns will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge of American history from pre-history until the early 20th century and discover the High Plains environment of the North Platte Valley. They will also have a chance to grow as a public speakers, educators, and communicators by providing visitor services, answering questions, guiding informal tours of natural and historic areas, and giving brief talks.

Schedule 

July 7, 2024 - September 29, 2024

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Visitor services duties (20%) encompass a wide range of services. All interns will be responsible for providing clear, current, and accurate information about Fort Laramie and the surrounding area.
• Answering visitor questions (20%) can include highly repetitious informational and orientation questions about basic site facts. Interns will also have a chance to guide (20%) small groups visitors on brief tours of specific natural and historical stations.
• During the day, interns will be stationed at a point of interest such as a historic building, a natural site, or a living history demonstration area. Living history demonstrations range from routine 19th century skills such as cooking or caring for natural fiber equipment to participating in historic weapons programs under the supervision of the park historic weapons supervisor.
• There will also be ample opportunity to give talks (20%) on topics related to Fort Laramie's importance in American history or notable natural stories of the area. Talks will be based on pre-approved interpretive outlines, but you will also research and develop your own.

Marginal Duties 

As determined by Position Supervisor On site

Required Qualifications 

Valid Driver's License Personal Vehicle Required The ability and interest in working with the public Strong communication skills with a flair for creative presentation

Preferred Qualifications 

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Fort Laramie National Historic Site currently does not have U.S. Government housing located in park boundary. The park does lease two houses in the local communities; however, rooms are secured quickly since the houses support the various operational divisions (maintenance, resource management and interpretation). Fort Laramie is situated in southeast Wyoming north of Cheyenne (roughly 90 miles). This area nestled near the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie Rivers, is a largely rural agricultural landscape. There are rentals in Guernsey, Wyoming (13 miles west of Fort Laramie); Lingle, Wyoming (10 miles east of Fort Laramie); and Torrington, Wyoming (23 miles east of Fort Laramie). A housing allowance is provided in the event the selected intern needs to find their own accommodations in Laramie. Please check with hiring supervisor if interviewed.

Compensation  

• $400 weekly living allowance
• $50 weekly commuting allowance
• $800 monthly housing allowance (3 disbursements)
• AmeriCorps Award (valued at $1,956) at fulfillment of internship and 450 hours of service.
• PLC eligible—age requirements 16-30; 35 if a veteran. 640 hours need to be accrued but can be combined with another internship.
• Short Term Service Clothing Package * All allowances taxed

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Other (please specify)

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement 

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 

 Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description. 

Locations:

Wyoming, FORT LARAMIE

California, San Diego

District Of Columbia, Washington