Community Volunteer Ambassador - Indiana Dunes National Park
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
Indiana Dunes National Park is located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan approximately 50-60 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois. Small towns and resort communities on the beaches of Lake Michigan and farms interspersed with large tracts of woodlands and wetlands surround the Park. An abundance of cultural and recreational activities are available year-round. The area has weather typical of the Midwest, with temperatures normally ranging from 0 degrees in the winter to 90 degrees in the summer.
Position Summary
The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) will work alongside the Indiana Dunes National Park's Volunteer Program Manager. The position will assist with administrative duties and help with the coordination of the Parks signature volunteer programs. They will support the mission of the volunteer program to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds and encourage them to participate in the enjoyment and preservation of the park. The CVA efforts will help build a community of park stewards by focusing on the Park Connection motto of “connecting people to the park.” They will have the opportunity to help maintain the programs social media presence, recruit and train volunteers for special events, and help lead volunteer programs.
Position Responsibilities:
- Help maintain and respond to prospective volunteers through the Volunteer Program email account
- Help maintain the Volunteer Program newsletter, recruitment ads and online social media accounts
- Assist with the expansion of outreach efforts for volunteers
- Help update volunteer information in the volunteer database
- Help monitor volunteer rewards and recognition programs
CVA Minimum Requirements:
- Reliable, punctual, honest and friendly
- Demonstrate careful attention to details
- Able to maintain strict confidentiality
- Interest in assisting volunteers and interns from diverse backgrounds, being courteous, professional, patient and respectful at all times
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Comfortable working independently
- Present a professional appearance
- Excellent communication skills and can act with diplomacy and tact
- 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
- We are looking for someone who works well independently as well as part of a team.
- The person needs to have the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple deadlines and possess skills to problem-solve in a fast paced work environment.
- To thrive in this position, the CVA will need to have excellent organizational, written and verbal skills and be detail oriented and committed to meeting deadlines.
- The person must also have good interpersonal skills.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications.
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.
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
Please submit your application by Friday, December 9th 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.