Individual Placement - Interpretation Participant

Conservation Begins Here

Interpretation Participant

Position Summary

The primary focus of this position within the Division of Interpretation, Visitor Services, and Outreach at White Sands National Park is to provide exceptional interpretive and front-line visitor services. You will provide orientation, information, and informal interpretation at the visitor center desk, provide interpretive programming, and represent the park at outreach events. Your internship project will be developing interpretive programs and products about the ice age era human and mammal fossilized footprints found in the park that date back between 21,000 – 23,000 years ago. We are seeking an individual who is looking to grow their interpretive skillset, learn more about operations at a busy national park site, and gain knowledge on a variety of topics including geology, biology, paleontology, archeology, indigenous history, and military history. Park staff will provide formal and informal training and mentorship for the intern participating in the SCA project throughout the year.

Location

White Sands National Park, NM

Schedule

September 15, 2025 - September 14, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will staff the visitor center front desk where they will provide orientation, safety information, and informal interpretation. They will research, craft, and present formal and informal interpretive programs. The intern will also research and develop interpretive programs and products about the park's fossilized footprints.

Marginal Duties

The intern will also provide roving interpretation on topic ranging from safety to sand to wildlife to paleo-archeology. They will also assist with special events and represent the park at community outreach events.

Required Qualifications

• Customer service experience
• Willingness to speak in front of large groups of people
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Willingness to learn
• A valid driver's license and a personal vehicle are required
• The selectee will be required to pass a National Park Service background check.

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Park housing is not available for this position. The selectee will be provided with a housing allowance. Affordable housing can be found in the nearby communities of Alamogordo (20 minutes from the park) and Las Cruces (45 minutes to an hour from the park).

Compensation

• $1,100 for round-trip travel allowance
• $450 weekly living allowance
• $1,000 monthly housing allowance (intern responsible for identifying their own housing)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits

• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.