Interpretation Intensive Intern - ONSITE - Kenai Fjords National Park

Environment for the Americas•Seward, AK

2d•$688•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of the seasonal interpretive cohort at Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ), the LHIP intern will contribute meaningfully to front-line visitor services, interpretive programming, and visitor safety education. The intern will help create and deliver a variety of public programs, including guided walks, pop-ups, campground programs, touch tables, and digital interpretive materials, designed to support safe, engaging, and meaningful visitor experiences. The position includes extensive training in interpretive techniques, including Audience-Centered Experience (ACE) facilitation, storytelling, and dialog-based engagement that helps visitors connect their personal experiences to park resources. The intern will also support visitor center operations, provide safety orientations, collect visitor-use data at remote sites, and participate in mentorship, cohort learning, and professional development. At Kenai Fjords, the intern will support high-traffic visitor centers, rove Exit Glacier trails, produce digital content, and contribute to making the park more open, accessible, and welcoming during a period of increased visitation and America 250 celebrations.

Requirements

Strong oral communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences in both formal and informal settings.
Clear writing ability and comfort producing interpretive content with limited supervision.
Interest or experience in interpretation, storytelling, education, environmental engagement, or public speaking.
Ability to research, develop, and deliver structured interpretive programs, including guided walks and talks.
Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather—including cold, rain, and insects—and maintain safety awareness.
Ability to give and receive constructive, respectful feedback.
Comfort with computers, basic digital tools, and learning new platforms such as NPS Content Management Systems.
Ability to operate a government vehicle (valid driver's license required), though a personal vehicle is not required.
Openness to learning, adapting, and approaching new situations with a growth mindset.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain communication with supervisors.
Experience or willingness to develop skills in facilitating dialogue around complex or emotionally challenging topics.
Ability to translate complex concepts into engaging, understandable content for the public.

Responsibilities

Participate in a two-week seasonal interpretive training program, including shadowing, coaching, and ACE facilitation practice.
Work a full-time 5/4/9 schedule, with alternating two- and three-day weekends.
Develop and lead an original 90-minute guided walk three times per week, supported by coaching, preparation time, and resource mentoring.
Provide informal interpretation at visitor centers, on trails, and through pop-up programs, ensuring visitors receive engaging, safe, and personalized experiences.
Deliver wildlife and recreation safety orientations throughout Denali and KEFJ.
Create interpretive materials such as touch tables, campground programs, or pop-ups on topics of the intern’s choosing.
Develop a digital interpretive product (e.g., web content, video series, interpretive article) in collaboration with KEFJ’s Digital Lead, receiving CMS training and writing support.
Publish a digital product for the park website by the end of the internship.
Build strong mentor–mentee relationships through an Individual Development Plan and regular coaching.
Mentor youth staff (ages 15–18) and participate in youth cohort activities, including a fjord wildlife tour, resume workshop, and ice hiking experience.
Produce a final creative project or 15-minute presentation demonstrating personal and professional growth for the Kenai Fjords Youth Symposium.
Assist with front-desk operations, visitor orientation, and visitor-use data collection at remote contact stations.
Represent the National Park Service professionally while fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment.