Community Volunteer Ambassador – Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Position 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.
The CVA will engage the community and recruit Living History, Junior Birder, and interpretation volunteers. In addition, the CVA will develop opportunities for public service on Veterans Day and during National Park Week. Throughout the position, the CVA will take trainings to further their professional development.
Site Description:
PAAL is a small park with two units. The main unit has a visitor center and two miles of trails. Resaca de la Palma (RDLP), the second unit, has a contact station and a ¾ mile trail. PAAL is a battlefield park that tells the story of the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War.
PAAL has a core of six local volunteers that work at the front desk as well as a dedicated group of Living Historians. The VIP coordinator still maintains contacts with many groups that volunteered before COVID and will reach out to those groups when needed. The park’s second unit will soon have RV hook-ups for volunteers. The VIP Coordinator is currently looking into the feasibility of a BARK Ranger volunteer program.
Position Responsibilities:
· Support community engagement by:
· Increasing and helping maintain ongoing operations at a newly opened park contact station at the second park unit RDLP
· Providing volunteer opportunities for public service on national event days including Veterans Day, and National Park Week
· Recruit volunteers for the park’s monthly Living History Day and the Junior Birder program
· Develop and implement plans, Job Hazard Analysis, and Standard Operating Procedures for recruitment and outreach
· Serve as a Living Historian
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 18-30 years old at time of service (veterans up to 35 years old)
· Safety-minded
· Being committed
· Open-minded
· Able to adapt to changes
· Teamwork
· Education: High School diploma/GED required
· 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:
· Public speaking
· Working with children
· Leading outdoor activities
Additional Information:
On-site housing is not available. Monthly apartment rent ranges from $600-$800. Local housing options are safe. Grocery stores and big boxes stores are nearby.
There is no public transportation to the park. Distance to available housing ranges from 5-15 miles. PAAL will support the CVA in finding housing by allowing them time to look for a place to stay.
There are many local recreational options. PAAL has a bike trail that goes to the Brownsville Farmer’s Market. The park is 25 miles away from the beaches of South Padre Island and close to local museums and a variety of parks and refuges. Furthermore, the area is known as a top birding spot.
In addition, the area has amenities typical of urban areas including educational and cultural opportunities, shopping centers and health services.
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 $6,345.00 (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.