Community Volunteer Ambassador, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument - AmeriCorps

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-2025-fall-co Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references. 

Position Title:  Community Volunteer Ambassador, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument - AmeriCorps 

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements 

Site Location: Crow Agency, MT 59022 

Application Timeline: Preference given to applicants that submit application by June 13, 2025 

Terms of Service: 

Start Date: September 8, 2025 

End Date: August 7, 2026 

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hour 

Purpose: 

Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, 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 emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities. 

Little Bighorn Battlefield has an exciting opportunity for a CVA to help rebuild its volunteer program in anticipation for the 150th Commemoration in 2026. 

Little Bighorn Battlefield is a place to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made here on June 25 and 26, 1876, when Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors fought against a deliberate attack by the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, led by Lt. Col. George Custer, who sought to enforce policies that threatened their traditional way of life. This land continues to offer a place of reflection and healing for those involved. In addition to the battlefield, Custer National Cemetery is also contained within park boundaries and managed by park personnel. 

The park is rich in opportunities for volunteers; however, it has not had an established local volunteer 

policy or recruitment effort for a number of years and currently has no position volunteer. In the past, volunteers have served for short stints of time, mainly for yearly events and interpretation, but without any formalized plans or strategy the park has not maintained these volunteer contacts. Little Bighorn Battlefield is excited to build a volunteer program, overseen by the Volunteer Manager (who is also the Interpretation Program Manager) from the ground up based in policy and park needs. 

The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (LIBI) will play a vital role in building a sustainable volunteer program to support the park’s operations and the upcoming 150th commemoration of the Battle of the Greasy Grass in June 2026. Working closely with the Volunteer Program Manager, the CVA will assist in establishing a strong policy foundation, developing recruitment strategies, and creating new volunteer opportunities. Through collaboration with Tribal Nations, local communities, and stakeholders, the CVA will help foster meaningful partnerships and expand community engagement. This position offers hands-on experience in volunteer program management, event coordination, and professional development opportunities within LIBI and the broader Powder River Group of parks. 

Description of Duties: 

Support the Volunteer Program Manager in developing and finalizing a Local Volunteer Program Policy aligned with WASO VIP requirements. 

Assist in creating position descriptions, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and necessary paperwork for volunteer roles. 

Help establish a sustainable volunteer program framework that extends beyond the 150th Commemoration of the Battle of the Greasy Grass. 

Develop a strategic recruitment plan for local, position-based, seasonal, and year-round volunteers. 

Coordinate with leadership and program managers to identify meaningful volunteer opportunities across park operations. 

Support the development of volunteer uniform standards and ensure consistent onboarding procedures. 

Contribute to the planning and coordination of volunteer support for the 150th  ommemoration event in June 2026. 

Help build and strengthen partnerships with affiliated Tribal Nations, local communities, and other stakeholders through volunteer engagement. 

Serve as a point of contact for volunteers, providing support, mentorship, and assistance as needed. 

Promote and uphold volunteer safety by ensuring risk management practices and policies are consistently applied. 

Participate in professional development opportunities, including training sessions, regional networking, and inter-park collaborations (e.g., with Big Horn Canyon NRA, Fort Laramie NHS, and Devils Tower NM). 

Receive mentorship from an experienced site supervisor in volunteer program management, interpretation, and event coordination. 

Help create lasting resources, such as templates and best practices, for future volunteer program needs and annual commemorations. 

Qualifications: 

Outgoing, friendly, and approachable demeanor; enjoys interacting with the public, volunteers, and park staff. 

Effective verbal and written communication skills. 

Comfortable initiating conversations, welcoming volunteers, and providing support in a professional and courteous manner. 

Willingness to engage with and recruit volunteers from a broad range of backgrounds. 

Ability to maintain a positive attitude and professionalism during high-pressure or busy event environments. 

Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work both independently and as part of a small team. 

Willingness to learn and follow National Park Service volunteer program policies, procedures, and safety standards. 

Basic computer proficiency (email, word processing, simple databases or spreadsheets). 

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien 

Applicants must be between ages of 18-30 years old, or up to 35 for veteran, based on Public Land Corps Act of 1993 authorizing this AmeriCorps opportunity.  

Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award. 

Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check. 

 Preferred Qualifications:  

Experience or willingness in engaging the general public. 

Interest in volunteer program management, event coordination, community engagement, and public lands. 

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to track multiple tasks and deadlines. 

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with groups from different backgrounds 

Familiarity with or willingness to learn National Park Service policies and volunteer program regulations (VIP Handbook, WASO requirements). 

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment with limited daily supervision. 

Flexibility and adaptability to support large-scale event planning (e.g., 150th Commemoration of the Battle of the Greasy Grass) and respond to shifting priorities. 

Strong writing skills for developing volunteer position descriptions, policies, and recruitment materials. 

Interest in conservation, cultural resource management, history, interpretation, or public service. 

Comfort with or willingness to learn risk management principles and safety practices for volunteer engagement. 

Basic computer skills, including proficiency with email, word processing, spreadsheets, and document management systems (Microsoft Office). 

Commitment to personal growth and professional development in the fields of volunteer management, interpretation, and conservation leadership. 

Physical Requirements: 

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements: 

This position is expected to serve 40 hours each week, but exact service schedules may vary.  

Lunch breaks will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service. 

Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term. 

Orientation and Training: 

Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. 

Week-long, in-person training on NPS volunteer program management and leadership skills. 

Year-long continuum of learning supporting professional development 

$1,200 in Professional Development Funds   

Additional Position and Community Information 

The CVA position at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument offers a truly unique opportunity to be part of a transformative time in the park’s history. The CVA’s schedule will include weekends and holidays during the busy summer season to support major events and increased visitation. Due to the park’s remote location—where the nearest shopping is about an hour away—a valid driver’s license is required. To support the CVA, the park provides a one-bedroom, fully furnished apartment with WiFi included and strong cell phone service. While winter months may feel quieter due to the park’s small permanent staff and the absence of seasonal staff, this solitude is balanced by a tight-knit, supportive work environment and wide-open spaces for exploration. 

The CVA will also have exciting opportunities to collaborate with other parks in the Powder River Group, such as assisting with major events at Devils Tower during Sturgis or supporting programs at Big Horn Canyon. Montana’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities are right at your doorstep—with Little Bighorn Battlefield just 3.5 hours from Yellowstone National Park and 3.5 hours from Devils Tower National Monument, giving the CVA unparalleled access to hiking, camping, and sightseeing across the region. 

This is also a remarkable time to join LIBI, as the park prepares to open a brand-new visitor center in 

summer 2026. The CVA will play an important role in building the foundation for a revitalized volunteer program and helping to shape interpretation and visitor services for the future. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of meaningful, lasting change at a nationally significant site. 

If you’re outgoing, ready to dive into community building, and excited to help lay the groundwork for the future of volunteerism and interpretation at LIBI, this is your moment. Come be part of something historic — and have the adventure of a lifetime along the way! 

Benefits:  

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 

Living Allowance of $600 per week. 

Additional Benefit of $150 per week, if housing is not provided 

Healthcare Coverage if Eligible  

Childcare Coverage if Eligible 

Student Loan forbearance if Eligible (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly) 

Interest Payments if Eligible (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly) 

$1,200 in Professional Development Funds for training, networking, conferences, and/or travel 

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. 

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. 

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking. 

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, September 8, 2025 and run for 48 weeks until Friday, August 7, 2026. 

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-member-application-2025-fall-co.  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 different populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in. 

Application Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First review will occur in early June. Final deadline is Friday, July 4, 2025. 

For Application Questions: 

Please contact James Gasaway, Program Director at jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org  

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

 We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.