National Park Service – FY2014 Youth Interpretation Internships – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Funding Opportunity Number: FY2014-THRO-YII-0001
Park: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
315 2nd Ave. P.O. Box 7
Medora, ND 58645
Project title: 2014 Youth Interpretation Internships
Proposed Project Date: 05/12/2014 – 08/31/2014
Estimated funding available: $13,400
Number of Positions Available: 3 (three internships)
1 intern – 05/12-08/31/2014 (16 weeks)
2 interns – 05/12/-08/17/2014 (14 weeks)

Summary:
These three (3) positions will work at Theodore Roosevelt National Park performing a number of natural and cultural interpretation activities, including informal interpretive contacts at the South Unit and Painted Canyon Visitor Centers. Interns will also conduct tours, provide programs, conduct visitor orientation, and sell merchandise for the park’s cooperating association. Interns will also participate in special events. Opportunities in other aspects of park operations will also be provided.

Background:
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of western North Dakota and consists of three separate units: South Unit, Elkhorn Ranch Unit, and North Unit. The colorful Little Missouri River badlands provide a scenic backdrop to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is home to a variety of plants and abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, wild horses, longhorn steers and bighorn sheep. The park was established in 1947 to memorialize Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the North Dakota Badlands.

These internships are duty stationed at the headquarters area of the park (South Unit) in Medora, ND (population 100). This is a seasonal town with a variety of services available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Complete services and a university are located in Dickinson (population 25,000), 35 miles to the east. Summers are warm and sunny with temperatures occasionally reaching above 100 degrees F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Skies are usually sunny.

Projects and Work Activities for 2014:
• Perform both natural and cultural interpretation services including informal visitor contacts at the South Unit and Painted Canyon Visitor Centers.
• Provide formal interpretation including tours of Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin, geology talks and rim walks. Opportunities for additional programs will be provided, depending upon the Intern’s interest.
• Conduct retail sales of merchandise for Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association.
• Participate in special events such as Fourth of July and NPS Founders Day.

Most contacts are with the general public and other park staff. Contacts are made to facilitate effective park operations; to provide visitors with a safe, meaningful and enjoyable visit; and to interpret the natural and cultural resources of the park. The work can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing, walking, lifting moderately heavy items and working in inclement weather. Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Work on weekends and holidays is required. Shared government housing is provided. A government background check is required.

Skills desired:
Customer Service – competent with supervision
Public Speaking – competent with supervision
Money Handling – competent without supervision

Educational background desired in one or more of the following:
Resource Management/ Wildlife Biology – some coursework or experience
American or Presidential History – some coursework or experience
Natural History (ecology, astronomy, geology, ornithology, botany, etc.) – some coursework or experience
Writing/Publishing – some coursework or experience
Communications/Performing Arts – some coursework or experience

Materials Requested for Statement of Information/Qualifications:
Interested organizations should submit a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with NPS staff. 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. Include a bid in addition to the Statement of Information. The Statement of Information and bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project. Submit electronic Statement of Interest to catherine_schroeder@nps and julie_hendricks@nps.gov by 5:00 CST on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, as well as any questions you may have concerning the project.
Note: This Request for Information seeks responses from organizations qualified to provide individual and/or crews of youth and young adults for internship opportunities with the National Park Service that provide environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities through conservation, natural resource management, and emergency response work. Individuals interested in serving as an intern or crew member should contact the park directly. For general information on Youth Program opportunities visit: http://www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/youthprograms/index.htm.