Individual Placement-Alaska- Interpretation and Community Outreach

Position Summary 

The Interpretation and Education Placement will serve as a frontline representative of the National Park Service, helping visitors to the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center connect meaningfully with Western Arctic National Parklands. In this role, the placement supports an inclusive, accessible, and informative visitor experience by fostering a friendly presence throughout the facility and building confidence in sharing orientation and safety information. Over the course of the position, they will develop and refine communication and public‑speaking skills. The placement will gain foundational experience in interpretive program development—including youth education activities, interpretive talks, and map‑based presentations—while learning how to engage Alaska Native audiences respectfully and collaboratively. Guided by park staff and community knowledge holders, the placement will also explore ways to help shape visitor understanding through cultural demonstrations, informal interpretation, and creative educational tools. By the end of the season, the placement will have a broad introduction to the work of the Interpretation and Education program and a well‑rounded understanding of how public engagement supports the mission of the National Park Service.

Location 

Kotzebue, AK

Schedule 

November 2, 2026 - April 30, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

· Provide accurate orientation, safety information, and daily visitor services.

· Deliver regular public talks to strengthen communication and interpretation skills.

· Research, design, and present original interpretive programs such as youth lessons, interpretive talks, and map talks.

· Collaborate with Alaska Native knowledge holders and demonstrators to help facilitate a traditional skills workshop.

· Support informal interpretation by creating or acquiring learning aids, temporary exhibits, and digital content.

· Coordinate with park staff on schedules, program logistics, and visitor needs.

· Maintain professional standards of safety, communication, and operational awareness throughout the position.

Marginal Duties 

· Travel for professional development and training may occur, including conducting community outreach or education in remote villages, participating in multi‑agency meetings, or attending in‑person training opportunities.

· Aid other Western Arctic National Parklands divisions to increase broad understanding of career opportunities within the National Park Service.

· Operate a government snowmachine to accompany and support field projects as assigned.

· Draft content for incorporation into official NPS digital platforms, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with park messaging and standards.

· Assist with simple data collection or visitor-use monitoring tasks that support park-wide planning and resource protection efforts.

· Help maintain clean, welcoming public spaces in the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center by restocking materials, organizing interpretive props, and reporting facility needs to appropriate staff.

Required Qualifications 

· Valid driver's license.

· Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience in public speaking.

Hours 

40 per week; 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday. All federal holidays will be treated as a day off.

Living Accommodations 

Government housing will be provided for the duration of the position. The placement will be assigned a private bedroom within a shared three-bedroom apartment. The unit is furnished with basic furniture, including a bed, dresser, full kitchen setup, dining table, sofa, TV, and other standard furnishings. Linens and towels will also be provided. Shared common spaces include the kitchen, living area, and bathroom(s). Housing assignments and specific amenities may vary slightly depending on availability.

Compensation  

$600/wk living allowance

$1,500 round-trip travel stipend

$5,000 duty-related

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits 

Bear Safety

Defensive Driving Training

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.