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One Year National Park Internship in Florida

National Park Service
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Community Volunteer Ambassador – Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park

Location: Homestead, FL 

Position Details: Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train a diverse group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities. The CVA will have the unique opportunity to work with two volunteer programs - Everglades and Biscayne. The CVA will assist both parks with local volunteer requirement, leading volunteer groups, and assisting on annual volunteer program events. In addition, the CVA will have a focus on climate communication for the park and volunteer initiatives. Including a climate capstone project based on applicants' interest and park goals. 

Site Description: Everglades National Park is a subtle place where earth, water, and sky blend in a low green landscape; where mere inches of elevation produce distinct changes in vegetation; and where a great wealth of birds and other wildlife find refuge. For this is almost exclusively a biological park dedicated to the preservation of a complex and precisely ordered living mechanism. It lies at the interface between temperate and sub-tropical America, giving a rich diversity of species, many at the limit of their ranges. For these unique characteristics, Everglades National Park has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage Site, and Wetland of International Importance. The Everglades offers a variety of volunteer opportunities across the park in such as visitor center volunteers, safety bike patrols, historic site tours, and cultural and natural resource divisions. Biscayne National Park is within sight of Miami, yet worlds away. Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and peaceful scenery. Over the last several years, Biscayne has estimated that approximately 400 volunteers have served in a variety of capacities. Some unique volunteer opportunities at Biscayne include Marine Debris, Dive VIP, and Harbor Hosts.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Recruitment for various volunteer positions and activities - including marine debris beach clean ups and volunteer events
  • Assist with volunteer program administrative tasks including tracking forms and stats and volunteer.gov development
  • Leading youth and volunteer programs and events
  • Climate communication initiatives related to volunteer activities and park goals 
  • Develop Climate Capstone Project

CVA Minimum Requirements:

  • Responsible and a self-starter
  • Quick to learn, follows directions, but can independently perform tasks once oriented
  • Punctual and dependable
  • Good with visitors of all ages and families
  • Able to work as part of team
  • Adaptable
  • Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in March 2025 (date TBD)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Be 18-30 years old at time of service (veterans up to 35 years old)
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Pass fingerprint-based FBI, state criminal, and a national sex offender checks.
  • Be able to provide proof of a driver’s license and complete a MVR check
  • Must be over 21 years old or have had license for at least 3 years to be insured in this position 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience in public speaking, effective communication, and experience with engaging the public
  • Experience with formal/informal interpretation of natural/cultural resources
  • Familiarity with South Florida resources and challenges
  • Comfort working in a variety of environments (hot, insects, water, etc...)
  • Mastery of the English language *and* fluency in Spanish
  • Customer service oriented
  • Effective written communication skills
  • Experience with social media (content creation)

Additional Information:

  • Weekends, evenings, and holidays required
  • There may be some flexibility with telework for certain projects with supervisor approval. The position is NOT remote.
  • Position requires a driver's license.
  • Personal vehicle is required due to remote location of housing.
  • Housing will be provided for the CVA incumbent at the Pine Island Park Housing. Housing could include the single or shared units with air conditioning, furnished living spaces, and particle utensil/dinning ware provided. The provided housing is 15 minutes away from the town of Homestead where attractions, restaurants, and store amenities are located and is 3 minutes away from the Ernest Coe Visitor Center where the CVA will have their workstation.
  • Position is expected to drive 30 minutes to Biscayne National Park for Biscayne word days
  • Position will work for Biscayne and Everglades National Parks 

Benefits: 

  • $600/week living stipend.
  • $150/week in housing allowance, if housing is not provided.
  • Limited health care/childcare benefits
  • The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $7,395.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program
  • $1,200 in Professional Development funds for training, networking, conferences, and/or travel.
  • Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations
  • Public Land Corps Hiring Authority
  • Week-long in-person training at NPS site with travel/meal expenses covered.

 How to Apply

Please visit Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org) to review “Member Positions” by region and find instructions on how to apply. 

The CVA position will start on Tuesday, January 21, and run for 48 weeks until Friday, December 19, 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-winter-2025 

Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references. 

Please ensure your cover letter addresses how your experience aligns with the CVA program, your experience working with diverse populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in. 

Applications Deadline 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First review will occur in early November. Final deadline is Sunday, December 8, 2024. 

For Application Questions: 

Please contact James Gasaway, Program Director at jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org