Community Engagement Internship (Year Long) - Plains, GA (Jimmy Carter)

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 local communities. This Community Volunteer Ambassador position will work in a collaborative environment with the staff of both the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park and Andersonville National Historic Site to create more robust, sustainable, and grassroots volunteer programs. Internal training will be provided to equip the CVA with practical skills to better facilitate volunteer recruitment, special events, and assist with program management; skills will include conflict de-escalation, blacksmithing, gardening, digital media and design, social media, digital accessibility, special event planning, networking, historical research, and artifact care. The CVA will work to recruit and engage more local volunteers to work in the park's eclectic programs. The intern will also assist in community outreach, networking with other institutions, and special event planning. The work will be critical to reinvigorating the parks' volunteer programs in the post-pandemic era.

Site Description: The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park and Andersonville National Historic Site are located about 30 minutes apart in Southwest Georgia. The parks are located in satellite communities of the Sumter County Seat called Americus. Our missions are to protect, preserve, and share the resources and stories of President & Mrs. Carter, American Prisoners of War, Civil War history, and the history of Civil Rights in Southwest Georgia. Currently, the volunteer programs are run independently at each park by Lead Interpretive Park Rangers. Total annual volunteers number 150, but the majority of that number are volunteers who participate in one-time volunteering events (such as Wreaths Across America). Most long-term volunteers are nomadic RVers who want a warm place to winter-over before returning to northern parksfor the summer season. Long-term local volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and committed to the parks' missions, but are generally an aging demographic. The parks have excellent internal relationships among the staff, and work is collaborative among the parks' small staffs. Everyone is willing to assist and mentor others when possible. Our newest intern recently stated that it's a fun place to work.

Position Responsibilities: • Recruit and Engage local volunteers for diverse positions Network with local institutions and colleges • Plan and host special events Write Standard Operating Procedures for future program managers • Train and provide resources to park volunteer supervisors • Learn new and exciting things to understand the volunteer experience! CVA Leader

Minimum Requirements: • Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in fall/winter 2022/2023 • 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 or GED • Reliable transportation to report to each park • Outgoing and friendly personality • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech • Ability to motivate others • Strong organizational and planning skills • Willingness to try new skills • Ability to learn and retell stories with historical information • Submit proof of a Driver’s License and undergo a Federal Background Check, upon selection • US Citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States

Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree (completed or in progress) in a field related to history, political science, education, communication, graphic design, agricultural science, non-profit management, recreation management, etc. • Local applicants • Personal networks in the local community • Knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement in Southwest Georgia • Knowledge of modern military structure and operations • Computer and technology skills

Additional Information: • The remote locations of the parks will require the CVA to have personal, reliable transportation to report for duty at the parks. • The CVA may be asked to participate in special events on weekends, evenings, or minor holidays. • The CVA will be able to engage unique resources, including a working Great Depression Era farm, the only active National Cemetery in the National Park Service, the only National Park (besides the White House) home to a living President and First Lady, and the National Prisoner of War Museum.

Benefits: • CVA will receive a weekly stipend of $500 (additional $65/week, if housing is not provided) • Limited health care/childcare benefits • The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,345.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program • Professional development funds • Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations • Public Land Corps Hiring Authority