Community Outreach and Interpretation Internship (DHA) – ONSITE Salem Maritime National Historic Park and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Environment for the Americas•Salem, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Salem Maritime National Historic Park and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site seek an intern to research, refine, and deliver bilingual interpretive programs while continuing active outreach efforts with local Latinx community groups. In 2020, a Latino Heritage Intern at Salem Maritime developed a “Latinx Commitment and Engagement Plan” after collaborating with local Latinx community members to identify specific recommendations to improve inclusion at the park. This plan was refined and expanded by subsequent interns in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. The Latino Heritage Intern will use interpretive themes and essential questions from Salem Maritime’s Foundation Document and Visitor Experience Plan (2020) and Saugus Iron Works’ Foundation Document and Visitor Experience Plan (2022) to research and develop audience-centered interpretive experiences focused on the parks’ natural and cultural resources. Potential programs may include historic house tours, maritime programs, nature walks, and tide walks. The goal of the project is to create new park experiences attractive to the local Latinx community. Currently, 23% of Essex County’s population (where Salem and Saugus are located) identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Programs may be bilingual but will primarily serve Spanish speakers. This aligns with a 2017 strategic plan for Salem and Saugus, which recommends prioritizing underrepresented students and groups to expand education programming (FY 2018–2023). Throughout the summer, the intern will expand existing programs and connections within the Latinx community, particularly in El Punto, a predominantly Dominican and Puerto Rican neighborhood near Salem Maritime. The intern will contact existing community partners and establish new relationships with leaders and organizations in Essex County. The intern will also represent the parks at community-organized special events and outreach programs. In 2026, the intern will support programming related to America 250 and Salem 400+ anniversary events. DHA-RA Internship Deliverables include planning, preparing, promoting, and delivering: A bilingual (Spanish–English), audience-centered interpretive and educational program at Salem Maritime and/or Saugus Iron Works, presented multiple times. A special Latino Conservation Week event hosted at Salem Maritime NHP, featuring community partners such as the North Shore Community Development Coalition. Written outlines, program materials, and vendor contacts for each program developed and presented. Documentation of best practices for bilingual interpretive/educational programs in the Latinx Commitment and Engagement Plan (2020) and presentation of recommendations to the Park Operations Team. Since 2018, Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works have prioritized working with adult interns through LHIP and HBCU programs. The parks have continuously evaluated ways to improve hiring and program creation. Staff participate in regular supervisory trainings to create a positive work environment. Hosting adult interns has led to significant impacts, including new partnerships and inclusive content development for both online and on-site visitors. The program continues to provide employment opportunities for young adults while serving diverse communities around each park unit.

Requirements

Major in History, Anthropology, Sociology, Biology, Earth Sciences, Communications, or a related field.
Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, with strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
Interest in community engagement and serving underrepresented audiences.
Experience or interest in developing and delivering interpretive or educational programs.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, and deliver bilingual (Spanish–English), audience-centered interpretive and educational programs at both parks.
Use park Foundation Documents and Visitor Experience Plans to guide program development focused on natural and cultural resources.
Expand and refine the Latinx Commitment and Engagement Plan by documenting best practices and presenting recommendations to park leadership.
Conduct outreach and build relationships with local Latinx community members, leaders, and organizations in Essex County.
Strengthen existing partnerships and establish new collaborations, particularly within the El Punto neighborhood and surrounding communities.
Represent the parks at community-organized events, outreach activities, and special programs.
Plan, promote, and present a bilingual interpretive program multiple times during the season.
Coordinate and help deliver a Latino Conservation Week event in collaboration with community partners.
Support planning and programming related to America 250 and Salem 400+ anniversary events.
Prepare program materials, outlines, and supplies; coordinate with external vendors as needed.