Community Volunteer Ambassador - Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Program Details:
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.
Community Volunteer Ambassadors (CVAs) support Volunteer-in-Parks programs at National Park Service sites nationwide. This ranges from National Park, National Monuments, National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, National Recreation Areas, and more. The Community Volunteer Ambassador Program was developed to support NPS sites in connecting with their local communities through service and to provide young adults with a professional development opportunity within the National Park Service. CVAs provide capacity for NPS sites to establish community partnerships, develop new volunteer opportunities, and build volunteer program resources.
Site Information
Ulysses S. Grant NHS is a small park in an urban area, telling the story of the life of General and President Ulysses S. Grant, his family, and the enslaved people who lived and worked at the White Haven plantation. Our volunteer program consists of about 15 permanent volunteers, mostly retired. Volunteers at ULSG help greet and orient visitors, provide formal and informal interpretation at the park, assist with purchases made in the gift shop, and help with special events.
Position Summary
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is seeking an AmeriCorps member for a year-long program, sponsored by Conservation Legacy. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) will gain valuable experience with the National Park Service. CVAs will help connect their community to the U.S. Grant NHS by recruiting and training new volunteers, and planning engagement and outreach efforts through stewardship activities throughout the park.
Position Responsibilities:
- Assist Volunteer Coordinator and Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers program manager with tasks related to the VIP program, to include:
- Recruiting of new volunteers, particularly among young, diverse, and underserved communities. The intern will, either alone or with the Primary supervisor, arrange and make off-site visits to schools and youth/community program centers in order to publicize the park’s VIP program. The intern will need to have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record if driving a government vehicle.
- Training youth volunteer corps for projects around the park and community, with special attention given to the following events:
- National Volunteer Week - April 16-22, 2023
- National Park Week - April 15-23, 2023
- National Trails Day - June 3, 2023
- 9/11 Day of Service - September 11, 2023
- National Public Lands Day - September 23, 2023
- Veteran's Day - November 11, 2023
- Martin L. King, Jr Day of Service - January 15, 2024
- Under the supervision of Primary and Secondary Supervisor, develop an original project to carry out with park VIP’s. Project could include a stewardship activity within the park, a new interpretive program, an activity undertaken with a new partner organization, etc. The project will follow a schedule from conception to execution established by the Primary and Secondary Supervisors.
- Complete a rotation with department heads at the park, to include Superintendent, Administrative Officer, Facilities, Interpretation, and Relevancy, Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager in order to gain exposure to different career fields within NPS as well as to establish volunteer needs assessments for the different departments.
CVA Minimum Requirements:
- Ability to clearly communicate in writing
- Teamwork
- Must have experience working with the general public
- Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in early April 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/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
- Completed or currently working on an accredited Bachelor's degree.
- Local applicants preferred
- Must be proficient with MS Office suite
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 $6,495.00 (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
- Week-long in-person training at NPS site with travel/meal expenses covered.
Additional Information
- Schedule may include weekends and evenings
- Site is not directly served by public transit; privately owned vehicle a plus
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 Monday, February 6th, 2023, and run for 50 weeks until Friday, January 19th 2024. Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application. 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 Friday, December 9th.
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.