NPS Conservation Intern AmeriCorps

Job Overview

Position Title: NPS Conservation InternAmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA) – Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 250 West Park Avenue, Eunice, LA 70535

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 08/11/25
• Anticipated End Date: 08/07/26 (52 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural and cultural resources.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA) protects and interprets significant examples of the Louisiana Mississippi River Delta’s rich cultural and natural resources that demonstrate the interaction of the region’s distinctive environment, complex history, diverse communities, lifeways, and traditions. The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center interprets the culture and natural history of the Mississippi Delta Region through the lens of Prairie Acadian culture. Their story is an immigrant story, one of deportation, disappointment, and learning to live in a new area with indigenous people, enslaved, and immigrants from all over the world. Their story explores food, music, language, and the rich cultural heritage of south Louisiana.

The Conservation Intern is an AmeriCorps Position which will serve with the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center staff to research and develop programming. The member will develop programming to engage visitors about music, foodways, and regional traditions. The member will be trained in all aspects of interpretive programming at JELA, learning valuable skills in cultural and historical preservation and interpretation. The member will develop interpretive and educational programming and exhibits. The member will aid staff in developing education modules and incorporate exciting lessons for field, classroom, and virtual learning that tie to regional English, social studies, and science standards.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with the JELA Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, apply now by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the National Park Service!

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA) – Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, please visit: Prairie Acadian Cultural Center – Eunice – Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

Description of Duties:

Develop programming to engage visitors about music, foodways, and regional traditions:

• Research Louisiana Culture, natural history and folk traditions.
• Work with GS 9 and Park Guide to provide access and understanding of Louisiana food, music and folk tradition.
• Identify folk artists, craftspeople and musicians to engage in programming.

Engage in Foodways programming:

• Identify traditional and contemporary Louisiana cuisine and traditions.
• Develop ways to engage visitors about Louisiana cooking traditions.
• Identify ways to explore cultural influences on Louisiana’s Prairie Cultures.

Develop interpretive and educational programs and exhibits:

• Develop 6 new interpretive programs with park staff.
• Develop 4 new curriculum based educational programs with park staff.
• Develop 6 temporary exhibits to enhance visitor understanding.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien

• Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.

• At least two years of college courses.
• Experience working with 4-12 grade students.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Language fluency in French or Cajun and Creole French is preferred, but not required.

Our Commitment:

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. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. 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.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours a week Tuesday – Saturday, 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.
• The member will serve fully in person on site.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Member will be paired with a GS 9 Ranger to provide daily feedback and guidance.
•  Park safety training on site.
• Interpretive program training.
• ServSafe food safety training.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395
• Living Allowance of $630 per week
• Professional Development Funds of $2,000
• Healthcare Coverage
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 support).
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible
• Enhancement of interpretive skills
• Career building experiences
• Networking opportunities within the National Park Service
• Public Land Corps (PLC) status upon successful completion of the term

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.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

[email protected]

681-666-3266

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.