ACE EPIC NPS CA: Tule Lake National Monument - Interpretation Intern - AmeriCorps

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service at Tule Lake National Monument (TULE), is seeking one Interpretation Intern interested in dedicating 16 weeks in support of the National Park Service in creating and providing interpretive programs on the cultural resources of the Tule Lake Unit. This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in cultural resource management and interpretation. TULE is unique among America's National Parks as it preserves the history of Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII without due process.

Start Date: June, 2019

End Date: 16 weeks from start date*

A 16-week commitment is required *Start date is flexible (early June preferred) and the end date can be extended if leave is taken during service.

Location: Tule Lake National Monument is made up of four locations that are either in or near the town of Tulelake, CA. These locations include the Tule Lake Segregation Center, , Castle Rock and the contact station located at the Tulelake Butte Valley Fairgrounds. Camp Tulelake, a historic CCC camp that later held Japanese Americans in 1943, and then German and Italian POW from 1944-1946. The Tule Lake Segregation Center, was one of 10 camps that was used to detain Japanese and Japanese American's from 1942-1946. Castle rock is geologic formation that accessed for recreational purposes for those in camp during 1942-1943, and by locals till the 1980's, it is now managed by USFWS and is closed to the public unless on a tour. The contact station is located at the Tulelake Fairgrounds where the museum of local history is located.

Tulelake is rural community located about 8 miles south of the Oregon border on Hwy 139. There you can secure fuel, and basic grocery necessities. There are four restaurant options either in or near Tulelake. Less than an hour north you can also access Klamath Falls, OR this is where you will want to do most of your shopping. You'll find lots of shopping options for groceries and other basic needs, and well as several restaurant options and entertainment options.

Project Partner Website: For more information regarding the Tule Lake Unit, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/tule/index.htm

Compensation: The ACE intern will work 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $200/week.

A $1566.14 AmeriCorps Education Award will be presented upon successful completion of 450 hours of service. Offsite housing will be provided at the nearby Fish and Wildlife Service (no pets or family members) located approx. 5 miles from the nearest town of Tulelake, where your work location will be at. A car is required to get you to and from work and for personal use. The intern will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel only.

Position Description: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental work performed by Interpretation Intern is: Resource Interpretation Interpreting the significance and uniqueness of park cultural resources, and the laws, rules, and regulations developed to protect park resources and provide for their safe and non-consumptive use. Resource Protection Preserving the cultural resources of the park by preventing degradation of, historical structures and artifacts and by preventing the loss and theft of objects through information and education. This will be achieved through the development and presentation of interpretive programs, front desk public contacts, and other interpretation activities. Project Background and Objectives: Tule Lake National Monument is still in development stages allowing the intern a behind the scenes look at how a NPS site grows in its early years. Since sites associated with the Tule Lake are only accessible with a guided tour by a ranger or intern a main objective is to provide tours at least once a week to these locations and accurately interpretive the sites history. One of the main stories we interpret at the site is the history of the approximately 30,000 persons of Japanese Ancestry were incarcerated during WWII at the Tule Lake Segregation Center. Another is the history of Camp Tulelake, one of the few remaining Civilian Conservation Corp camps, which was later used as a German and Italian Prisoner of War camp.

Scope of Work: The position is 40 hours/week. Interns work primarily within the Interpretation division, interpreting the Monument's incredible cultural and historical resources to park visitors and school groups. The intern will primarily be serving at the visitor center and throughout the park at key visitor use locations. Intern will staff the visitor center front desk, where they will be responsible for providing accurate information about the park and surrounding area to visitors.

Projects include developing new interpretive programs, maintaining program statistics, and creating visual aids. Interns will also learn and present pre-developed education programs to school groups. They will also assist with special events and work on independent projects as needed. Intern will also research and create talks to present to general visitors. The Intern will serve the NPS TULE mission by enthusiastically working to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Develop and give interpretive programs to general visitors • Program preparation, lesson revision, lesson development, related activities • Riding in and driving government vehicles • Assistance with office projects and park emergencies • Intern will wear the ACE and/or park polo shirt (provided) and natural toned pants, hiking boot/shoe and belt as their uniform

Training Provided: The intern will receive training in park resource knowledge, delivery of curriculum-based programs, development of interpretive programs, report writing, and other position related skills, as well as safety training and oversight. ACE and NPS are committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare interns for future careers in the stewardship of America's parks and public lands. The NPS Interpretative Park Ranger also provides coaching throughout the internship, allowing interns the chance for continuous improvement. Driving training will be provided on how to operate electric vehicles, and a 3-4 hour online defensive driving training is offered.

Qualifications: Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in interpretation, cultural resource management, history, park management, or a related discipline. The intern will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group. The ACE NPS TULE Interpretation Intern must be willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizens or Green Card holder. • Between the ages of 21 35. • Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS. • Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to work alone and in a group. • Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required so you can access Tulelake or Klamath Falls. • Personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE. • Deep interest in history, research and respect for nature is critical. • Must be able and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor. • English proficiency is imperative. • Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation. • A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of cultural resources. • Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills. • Excellent public speaking skills. • Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome. Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese are especially useful in this park.

Physical Demands: The Interpretation Internship position is high energy and can be stressful, due to the volume of contacts. The position may require driving in rain, snow, before sunrise, and after sunset. It requires working with all ages of children, in any educational setting, as well as with teachers, aids, and parents. The position requires walking up to four miles over uneven terrain at elevation while leading educational groups. Occasional workdays may exceed 8 hours.

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received; this position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC National Recruitment Specialist, Dave Hecker at (801) 386- 1629 or [email protected].