Community Volunteer Ambassador – Chiricahua National Monument
Stewards Individual Placements 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 local communities.
The Community Volunteer Ambassador will support programs that increase community engagement in parks and strengthen volunteer programs. A primary focus will be to identify underrepresented audiences and initiate inclusive volunteerism opportunities in the parks. The CVA will engage with staff from all work groups during this internship.
The CVA is expected to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
The CVA Supervisor will coordinate all onboarding and training for this position. At the beginning of the internship, the CVA and their supervisor will work together to identify professional development opportunities and to create an Individual Development Plan that supports the CVA's personal and professional goals for this position.
Site Description:
Join our team at Chiricahua National Monument and Fort Bowie National Historic Site! Located in southeast Arizona, these parks preserve important natural, cultural, and historic resources and interpret complex stories related to Indigenous peoples, immigrants, settlers, and the US Army. These remote parks have unique landscapes and geology, and offer incredible opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Chiricahua National Monument is a certified International Dark Sky Park and attracts visitors from around the world for it's amazing night skies.
The parks are supported by dedicated volunteers that live on site and work in the park visitor centers and campground. The parks are currently working to expand the volunteer programs to include more opportunities for local community volunteerism.
Position Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the park’s Volunteer Coordinator to create a Volunteer Engagement This strategy will identify ways to engage with community members, identify barriers to local volunteer efforts, and strategize solutions to overcome these challenges. 10% tour of duty
- Build local volunteerism support for the Engage in outreach and community events with a focus on building relationships with new audiences and partners. 25% tour of duty
- Initiate opportunities for local volunteer Coordinate service projects in the parks and identify key programs that will benefit from volunteer support, such as historic preservation programs and youth engagement. 25% tour of duty
- Support administrative and management efforts for the Volunteer In Parks (VIP) Revise the current VIP handbook, update Job Hazard Analyses, and support onboarding and training for new volunteers. 25% tour of duty
- Work with the Interpretation and Education Team to support visitor center operations, engage in formal and informal interpretation, and deliver education This work will entail research, program development, and public speaking. 10% tour of duty
- Maintain website authorship rights and social media editor Participate in applicable ethics and communications training to support work in these roles. 5% tour of duty
CVA Minimum Requirements:
- Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in fall/winter 2022/2023
- Be a 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
- Outgoing
- Friendly
- Self-Motivated
- Communicative
- 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:
- Effective Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organized and Detail Orientated
- Public Speaking Skills
- Research Skills
- Experience building networks and working with partners
- Computer Skills to include experience with Microsoft programs
- Self-Initiative
Additional Information:
This position will require working weekends, and may require evening work. The duty station is Chiricahua National Monument, a remote park that requires reliable transportation and a driver's license. The CVA will work at two park sites and a government vehicle will be provided for transportation between the sites.
Park housing is available. This is a dormitory style, three-bedroom furnished home with private bedroom and attached, private ½ bath. Common spaces include a living room, kitchen, and shared bathroom with shower facilities. Landline phones are provided, as well as WIFI.
Benefits:
- CVA will receive a weekly stipend of $500 (additional $65/week, if housing is not provided)
- Housing available
- 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
How to Apply
- The CVA position will start on Monday, September 12th, 2022, and run for 50 weeks until Friday, August 25th 2023. Applicants will need to apply here: CVA Member Application 2022-2023 (September Cohort) (jotform.com)and attach a cover.
- Please ensure your cover letter addresses the specific requirements and position details for this park.
- You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites and attaching the necessary cover letters.
Applications Deadline
Please submit your application by Friday, July 15th to ensure full consideration.
For Application Questions:
Please contact Geoff Elliot, Program Director at gelliot@conservationlegacy.org
Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.