Volunteer and Youth Programs IP at Shenandoah National Park

Title: Volunteer and Youth Program Intern

Location: Shenandoah National Park, Luray VA  

Dates of Service: May 13th, 2024 – November 8th, 2024 (26 week term)  

Pay: $720/week ($600/stipend + $120/housing allowance) + health, vision and dental benefits 

Status: This is a full-time, temporary AmeriCorps National Service position. 

Questions? Contact [email protected]  

How to Apply: 

In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Applications are only accepted through our website, www.appalachiancc.org/individualplacements. Applications will be accepted through March 31st. 

Appalachian Conservation Corps:  

Our Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.  

Individual Placements gain hands-on experience at their placement site, and ACC supports them through their term, as well as provides a variety of benefits to help them succeed in achieving their career goals. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Placement Site: 

The Volunteer and Youth Program Assistant Individual Placement is an internship position based at Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) in Virginia. Shenandoah National Park is a 200,000 acre national park with over 500 miles of hiking trails and rich natural and cultural history. This position is with the Volunteer and Youth Program Office at SHEN which connects passionate individuals with service and growth opportunities. The Volunteer and Youth Program Assistant will work both in an office at the park’s headquarters in Luray, VA and in the field on trails surrounded by green forest, rocky ridges, and rolling waterfalls.  

Position Summary: 

The Volunteer and Youth Program Assistant will be a vital member of a team engaging young people as current and future stewards of Shenandoah National Park. Working closely with the Program Manager, the Assistant will support these efforts by coordinating and leading volunteer conservation projects, facilitating visits from youth service and education groups, serving during special events, and providing administrative assistance. The Assistant will work closely with the Shenandoah Youth Corps, an 8-week crew of 16-18 year olds, as they work on conservation projects and learn about opportunities in conservation. The Assistant will collaborate frequently with National Park Service trails, facilities, interpretation, education, and natural resources teams to identify and coordinate projects.  The Assistant will lead both youth and adults in service projects in the field. They will also assist with coordinating volunteers and youth during special events. Throughout their work, the Intern will maintain records in accordance with National Park Service volunteer program policy.  

In addition to ample training on the National Park Service volunteer program and their role, the Assistant will be exposed to many different National Park Service positions. They will have opportunities for cross training in trail maintenance, visitor outreach, and natural resource management. The Intern will be also able to engage with Leave No Trace trainings, Search and Rescue training, and pursue learning opportunities with provided professional development funds.  After successfully completing the term, the Intern will be eligible for the Public Land Corps hiring authority.  

Essential Responsibilities:  

Coordinate Volunteer Projects  

• Identify projects and workplan in collaboration with other divisions 
• Schedule project work with volunteers and partners 
• Identify and prepare tools necessary for the project  
• Instruct volunteers on project objectives and methodologies  
• Prioritize safety and a positive experience for all participants  

Facilitate youth group visits  

• Assist setting up and taking down campsites  
• Coordinate participation in public and private Ranger programs  
• Facilitate plans for other outings  
• Coordinate service projects  

Volunteer recognition 

• Follow guidelines to recognize volunteers across the program  
• Assist with annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony  

Collaboration 

• Work closely with National Park Service staff, interns, volunteers, and partners 
• Participate in regular team meetings  
• Provide excellent customer service to volunteer groups, partners, and potential volunteers  

Administration  

• Adhere to NPS policy in collecting and maintaining paperwork  
• Use a group calendar  
• Assist with documenting and writing annual and project-specific reports  

Special events  

• Participate in planning aspects of special events 
• Coordinate volunteers during and in preparation of special events  

Benefits:  

• $600/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly   
• $120/week housing allowance 
• Option to enroll in health, vision and dental benefits 
• $3,447.50 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 1700 hour service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)  
• $500 professional development fund 
• Eligibility for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion – noncompetitive hiring status for two years when applying for federal positions with the National Park Service. 
• Federal student loan forbearance and interest payoff 
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist  
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, positions may fulfill internship requirements  
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths  

Minimum Requirements:  

To qualify, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience developing and delivering training to work crews and coaching individuals to successful skill demonstration 
• Experience and interest in working with youth in the outdoors 
• The ability to carry out assigned work with minimal supervision 
• Ability to work well with others and to seek assistance when needed to carry out assignments. 
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs and applications, or similar platforms. 
• Must be able to pass the organization’s criminal history background check requirements. 
• Valid Driver’s License and Insurable driving record. 
• Strong public speaking skills  

Our Promise: 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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 job functions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.