The National Park Foundation Transportation Interpreter Program places college-age summer interns in National Parks to encourage visitors to use park-provided ―alternative transportation systems‖ rather than relying solely on their private automobiles. An alternative transportation system in a national park, as defined by this program, is an alternative to personal transportation, either by mass or public transportation or non-motorized transportation.
Transportation Interpreters 1) enhance the public’s experience and encourage more park visitors to use the alternative transportation system by providing interpretation of the system or of the park and 2) complete projects that build the capacity for interpretation surrounding the alternative transportation system (i.e., developing materials to promote the use of an alternative transportation system). Increasing the usage of alternative transportation helps limit traffic congestion in the parks and the associated impacts of noise and air pollution.
This summer Internship lasts up to 12 weeks. All interns will attend a training and orientation session that will prepare them to deliver interpretation according to National Park Service standards and inform them about the function and benefits of alternative transportation in National Parks. Interns will then travel to their park assignments to begin their work. They will work for up to 12 weeks at their park assignment. The start and end date for each intern may vary according to the needs of their park assignment. End of season report due to National Park Foundation
Eligibility. Candidates must be enrolled in a bachelors or graduate program or have completed such a program in the past two years. They should have experience in education, customer service roles, and/or public speaking and demonstrated knowledge of transportation or conservation issues. Applicants must: √ Be enrolled in college or have graduated from college in the last two years √ Interest in alternative transportation and National Parks √ Effective communications skills √ US Citizenship or the ability to work in the US
Desired Qualifications. The Transportation Interpreter program is not a job — it is a serious commitment to national parks and promoting the use of alternative transportation. We look for applicants ready to take on their park assignments and take initiative to go above and beyond. Applicants should be ready to complete the entire term of service, participate as a positive team member, and work hard and enjoy their work. Application Applications should be submitted and will be considered on a rolling basis until April 11, 2009. To apply, please visit https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_328?SA=SNA&FID=35004.
Questions. Matt Ferris, Program Director of Youth Engagement at the National Park Foundation, should be contacted with questions regarding this position or the application process at mferris@nationalparks.org or 202-354-6482.
