Individual Placement - Outdoor Education Participant

Student Conservation Association • Moab, UT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves two teams: the Southeast Utah Group National Park Service education program and the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. The participant supports hands-on, place-based field trips for local school students that connect to Utah core standards, and assists with visitor information, visitor services, and interpretation at the Needles Visitor Center and throughout the park. Duties include teaching elementary-aged students, supporting their safety outdoors, answering visitor questions, assisting with Junior Ranger activities, and providing informal interpretation on trails, at overlooks, and through pop-up programs.

The position is based in Monticello, Utah, and includes 40 hours per week. Work is primarily in front-country settings, though duties may also occur in backcountry settings with limited emergency services, transportation access, and cell phone coverage. The participant must drive a motor vehicle for the partner agency and have a personal vehicle. Shared housing in a park apartment or house in town is provided, with a private bedroom and shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

The service term runs from January 24, 2027, through May 8, 2027. Compensation includes a one-time $1,100 round-trip travel allowance, a $600 weekly living allowance, and housing. An optional AmeriCorps education award valued at $1,956.35 may be available upon successful completion of the service term and at least 450 service hours. Allowances are subject to applicable taxes.

Requirements

• Hold a state-issued driver's license and be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a strong interest in teaching elementary-aged children and a desire to explore careers with the National Park Service.
• Have a personal vehicle.
• Be between ages 16 and 30 inclusive, or be a veteran age 35 or younger.
• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, agree to obtain one, or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
• Meet or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Curiosity about making science learning meaningful by helping students connect with surrounding landscapes.
• Willingness to live in a rural, isolated area with extreme weather.
• Humility and openness to multiple ways of thinking about nature and the environment.
• Interest in growing as an educator and receiving feedback on teaching and teaching materials.
• Interest in serving communities surrounding national parks and monuments.
• A student asset-based rather than deficit-based mindset toward education.
• A collaborative approach to work and the ability to manage projects independently.
• Previous experience working with youth.

Responsibilities

• Teach standards-based lessons from the CCOE curriculum and manage students' safety during outdoor activities.
• Assist with pre- and post-field-trip classroom visits.
• Prepare and plan instruction, support education program logistics, safely drive a government vehicle, and complete projects that maintain program quality.
• Participate in education skill development activities, including program debriefs, training, peer observations, video self-evaluations, and coaching sessions.
• Provide feedback to support the continued success of the education program.
• Occasionally present or develop extracurricular programming for area youth, including Junior Ranger programs, after-school clubs, or community events.
• Answer questions at the visitor center, provide directions and hiking recommendations, interact with Junior Rangers, process lost-and-found items, operate a two-way radio and telephone, and perform other duties as needed.
• Hike and rove on park trails to speak with visitors, answer questions, and help them make the most of their visit.
• Develop and present informal Junior Ranger programs for youth groups and families, and pop-up tables at viewpoints.
• Assist with special events and possibly research, write, and present a formal interpretive talk.

Benefits

• One-time $1,100 round-trip travel allowance.
• $600 weekly living allowance.
• Housing provided by the National Park Service.
• Optional AmeriCorps education award valued at $1,956.35, subject to successful completion of the service term and at least 450 service hours.
• Defensive driving training.
• Interpretive skills development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED