Fort Scott National Historic Site – Youth Interpretation Intern for Civil War 150

Funding Opportunity Number: FY2014-FOSC-YII-0001
Park: Fort Scott National Historic Site PO Box 918
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Project title: Youth Intern to Provide Interpretation for Civil War 150
Proposed Project Date: 08/18/2014 – 12/09/2014 (16 weeks)
Estimated funding available: $6,900
Number of Positions Available: 1 (one internship)

Background:
Fort Scott National Historic Site is located in downtown Fort Scott, KS population 8,000. It is in the southeast part of the state approximately 90 miles south of Kansas City and 60 miles northwest of Joplin, MO. The park is situated on a bluff overlooking the Marmaton River and consists of 20 historic structures located on 16.4 acres. The town offers basic shopping and groceries, a large hospital, medical and dental clinics, movie theater, fitness centers, and a community college. Kansas City and Joplin offer an abundance of shopping, entertainment and cultural activity opportunities. Climate is considered moderate, with high temperatures in the summer ranging from 80 to 100 (F), lows in the winter from 10 to 30 (F). The park will assist in locating furnished housing.

Projects and Work Activities for 2014:

• Perform visitor orientation in the park Visitor Center.
• Assist visitors with questions concerning park resources and interpretive programs.
• Present interpretive programs and education programs including guided tours of the site.
• Provide informal interpretation at living history stations, in the VC and throughout the park.
• Assist with special event planning and execution including the annual Candlelight tour, Symbols of Sacrifice, and Naturalization ceremony.
• Conduct invasive plant control in park gardens and tallgrass prairie.
• Clean and maintain historic furnishings and historically furnished rooms.
• Assist park staff with photographing, cataloging, and accessioning museum objects and other curatorial tasks.
• Assist with opening and closing the site and basic site security.

Most contacts are with the general public and other park staff. Occasional contacts are made with school teachers, volunteers, city and other National Park Service officials. Contacts are made to facilitate effective park operations and to provide visitors with a safe, meaningful and enjoyable visit and to interpret the park history and to provide visitor services. The work can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing, walking, lifting moderately heavy items, climbing stairs, and working in weather extremes. Work is performed indoors and outdoors. A 40 hour work week is required as is work on weekends and holidays.

Skills desired:
Customer Service – competent with supervision
Public Speaking – competent with supervision

Educational background desired:
American History (19th century emphasis) – some coursework or experience
Communications/Education – some coursework or experience
Park and Resource Management – some coursework or experience

Materials Requested for Statement of Information/Qualifications:
Please prepare a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with NPS staff. Note: The Park requires the Recipient to administer any rental housing that is required for the intern. Include your name, organization, and contact information, a brief description of the organization and mission, as well as a description of relevant qualifications and experience with recruiting and placement of youth interns, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. In conjunction with the Statement of Information you are also required to submit a preliminary bid. The cost of providing housing, intern stipend, travel, and any administrative costs should be detailed and included in the bid. The Statement of Information and preliminary bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project. Costs should not exceed the Award Ceiling in the Announcement. Submit electronic Statement of Interest to julie_hendricks@nps.gov by 5:00 CST on Friday, April 4, 2014 as well as any questions you may have concerning the project.