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Community Engagement Internship (Year Long) - Tupelo, Mississippi

. 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 (CVA) will help us better engage with and become a trusted member of our local communities whose volunteer program better reflects the diversity of those communities. The CVA will assist our volunteer program by developing new, creative, and innovative strategies. The intern will be stationed in Tupelo, MS at the Parkway Visitor Center and headquarters. Tupelo itself has a deep connection to music history, has been named an All-America City five times and has all the necessary amenities you may require. This is an exciting opportunity to work at a unique and beautiful national park unit that has an evolving narrative that allows us to continue to make room for stories and perspectives that have been long overlooked. The CVA will help us share those stories and create stewardship opportunities for the communities closest to the Parkway through our volunteer program.

Site Description: The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states and is one of the Top 10 most visited National Park units. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace" a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Our volunteer program is spread out at several different visitor contact stations locations along the Parkway. We are also in the process of relaunching our campground host program, welcoming back our historic costumed interpretation volunteer groups, and hosting more one-time service projects. Position Responsibilities: • Assist the volunteer program manager with finishing a volunteer program needs assessment to help us gain insight on our program’s strength and weaknesses • Update and strengthen infrastructure for volunteer management, including recruiting strategies, volunteer trainings, orientations, and recognition events • Research the local demographics; community organizations; and attitudes, behaviors, and barriers related to recreational opportunities and the Natchez Trace Parkway • Help brainstorm, develop, and implement outreach strategies to attract and engage more diverse and underserved audiences within local communities using our volunteer program • Networking and establishing relationships with local groups, partners, and community stakeholders that represent diverse audiences.

CVA 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 21-30 years old (35 years old if you are a veteran Be willing and able to commit to a year of full-time work • Be willing to occasionally work weekends and odd hours •

Education requirements: Must have or be pursuing an associate degree or higher-level degree. • Outgoing and friendly personality that gets along easily with others • An ability to use initiative and work independently as well as a part of a team • Must have regular and reliable attendance and dependability. • 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: • Local applicants are preferred • Public speaking and effective communication skills • Excellent organizational skills • Creative problem‐solving skills • Community engagement experience • Proficient computer and data entry skills

Additional Information: • One of four Parkways in the National Park system. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444 miles long recreational road and scenic drive through three states that offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring historic sites. • Opportunity to shadow and cross train with the Parkway’s different divisions such as interpretation, maintenance, trails, and fire that will help the intern learn about what the National Park Service and the Natchez Trace Parkway have to offer. • The intern may have to opportunity to collaborate with other national park units in the nearby area, which could help jump start agency networking and give a view into the similarities and differences between the operations of a variety of NPS units. • Professional development and training opportunities that could lead to a future career with the National Park Service or other land management agencies.

• No park housing is available. Tupelo does have reasonably priced rentals available, and the intern will receive help with looking for housing options from the Volunteer Program Manager and Interpretive staff. • This position requires a driver’s license, a personal vehicle and driving a government vehicle.

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