Conservation Begins Here

Interpretation Intern

Position Summary

Join a small team of dedicated National Park Service employees working to help visitors connect with the stories told at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. This intern will spend their time working directly with visitors at the visitor center and though formal programming, as well as working with youth and other specialty tour groups. The duties are approximately 80% indoors and 20% outdoors. We are seeking an intern who is looking to grow their interpretive skillset, learn more about operations at a small national park site, and gain knowledge on a variety of topics including Ulysses S. Grant, 19th-century farming and domestic life at the site, slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, and Civil Rights. Dedicated interpretation training will be provided at the beginning of the summer, and the intern will be mentored to improve skills throughout the season, with the goal of learning to perform at the same standard expected of seasonal National Park Service employees.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - September 12, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the intern will be providing frontline visitor services for a variety of audiences. At the visitor center, the intern will greet and orient visitors, answer questions, assist children with Junior Ranger program, and help with sales of items in the park store. The intern will research, develop, and present interpretive programs, which may include an 8-10 minute introduction to the historic house, interpretive pop ups, and/or assisting with special group tours.

Marginal Duties

The intern may also provide informal interpretation and assist with special events. There may be occasional opportunities to assist with organization of interpretive work spaces.

Required Qualifications

  • Customer service experience
  • Willingness to speak in front of groups of people, including children
  • Ability to work with a team
  • The selectee will be required to pass a National Park Service background check

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

  • The ability to conduct research and write at a college level
  • Public speaking experience
  • Knowledge of 19th century American History
  • Desire to pursue a career with the National Park Service or other public land agency.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Park housing is not available for this internship. A car is necessary for transportation to the park as public transportation is not available. The park is in suburban St. Louis County. It is easily accessed by car from many neighborhoods in the metro area.

Compensation

  • $650 weekly living allowance
  • $1,100 moving allowance, paid once with first paycheck

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Not eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.