Individual Placement - Visitor Services and Interpretation Participant

Conservation Begins Here

Visitor Services and Interpretation Participant

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 (13 weeks, Summer of 2025). The selected intern 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 the intern participating in the SCA project throughout the summer (2025). The intern 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

June 1, 2025 - August 24, 2025

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

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• An interest in American history
• Experience speaking in front of the public

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The Historical Site cannot provide housing. It is up to the selected candidate to find their own housing in Laramie. A monthly housing allowance is provided in the amount of $800.

Compensation

• $425 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 are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

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.