Nez Perce National Historical Park – Interpretation and Education Individual Placement

Northwest Youth Corps•Lapwai, ID

About The Position

Nez Perce National Historical Park is recruiting two 16- week (640 HR) Interpretation and Education Individual Placements beginning May through September 2026. Start and end dates are negotiable depending on candidate availability. Park operations are seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekly schedules will be discussed with selected candidates and may vary depending on park needs and Individual Placements availability. Individual Placements will work alongside National Park Service interpreters to share the history, culture, and ongoing significance of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) and other stories connected to the park's many sites. Through this experience, Individual Placements will help visitors explore the people, places, and events that shape the park's stories. Individual Placements will engage visitors of all ages through a variety of interpretive approaches including visitor center interactions, informal roving interpretation, short talks, and occasional scheduled programs. Individual Placements may also assist with educational outreach, special events, and other visitor engagement opportunities. As part of the Individual Placement, participants will research, develop, and present interpretive programs such as short site talks, orientation programs, and children's activities including Junior Ranger programs. Individual Placements will learn how to connect park resources to larger ideas and themes that help visitors find personal meaning in park stories. Individual Placements will receive mentorship from park interpreters and gain hands-on experience in interpretive planning, audience engagement, and communicating complex stories in meaningful and accessible ways. This Individual Placement provides an opportunity to develop skills commonly used in National Park Service interpretation and education careers. Individual Placements will also complete a relevant project related to interpretation, education, or visitor engagement. Projects may include developing educational materials, updating Junior Ranger activities, researching park stories, assisting with outreach efforts, or supporting digital interpretation.

Requirements

Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
Must be able to pass a background check.
Current driver's license and clean driving record
Personal Vehicle to get to and from work.
Strong communication skills.
The Individual Placements will need to work both independently and with a small number of staff or volunteers.
Ability to lift carry 30lbs.

Nice To Haves

Academic discipline or area of interest related to this position: education, environmental science, biology, communication, graphic design, writing, photography, or history.
Willingness to learn and participate in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Visitor Center Operations and Customer Service - Individual Placement will assist with the visitor center operations which includes staffing visitor center desk, operating a cash register, providing customer service, opening, and closing building, and basic cleaning. Answering questions and implementing projects related to Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) history and culture, environmental education, interpretation, and wildlife management.
Public Outreach and Interpretation – Individual Placement will develop and present educational programs and maintain program supplies and equipment. Individual Placement will assist in developing and presenting interpretive programs (e.g., nature-based programs and walks, history programs) for park visitors of a variety of ages and backgrounds. Individual Placements activities will include roving interpretation at various park sites.
Media and Communication – Individual Placement will help with positively promoting the park using social media, flyers, and the park website. Individual Placement will assist with drafting and preparing a variety of written materials and responses including news releases, articles, correspondence, and event flyers to increase understanding of the park mission, a special event, or related issues.
Resource Management -Individual Placement will assist with monitoring endangered plants, creating botanical species lists, and surveying for aquatic and sensitive plants. Additional duties will include removing invasive plants (including hand-pulling), assisting with nursery and greenhouse operations, collecting, and processing seed, assisting with wildlife surveys, entering data, processing plant collections, and other duties as assigned.
Special Events – Individual Placements will assist park staff in coordinating and managing special events at the park.