Interpretation Member - Redwood National & State Parks

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Redwood National & State Parks (RNSP) is seeking Two Interpretation Members to connect with visitors alongside RNSP staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit the usaconservation website.

Start Date: March 1, 2026

Estimated End Date: June 20, 2026

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Redwood National & State Parks

RNSP is located on the northern California coast. The temperate rain forest and coastal environments provide moderate temperatures even in summer, with highs in the upper 60s and lows in near 50 F. Crescent City (pop. ~ 8,500) has multiple grocery stores, a hospital, pharmacies, and restaurants. Orick (pop. ~350) has a small grocery market and a gas station. Additional retail and service opportunities are available south in McKinleyville/Arcata/Eureka and north in Brookings, OR. The park and surrounding area are home to old-growth forests, public beaches, mountains, and wild and scenic rivers offering virtually unlimited opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, surfing, and other outdoor recreation.

For more information regarding Redwood National & State Parks, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: The applicant assists seasonal and permanent interpretive staff with interpreting resources to convey national significance, connect visitors to personal relevance, inform the public for compliance and safety, and facilitate shared learning experiences for individual and social benefit.

The member will gain hands-on experience in interpretation, visitor center operations, safety, and National Park Service operations while working in dynamic conditions.

• Assist the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services with connecting visitors to park resources while promoting safe recreation and stewardship.
• Support interpretation and visitor services by connecting visitors to park resources, regulations, and safety information.
• Assist with visitor center operations, including orientation, trip planning, and responding to public inquiries.
• Develop and present interpretive programs such as orientation talks, guided walks, programs, and youth activities.
• Provide roving interpretation and resource protection messaging on winter trails by foot
• Participate in training, professional development, and cross-divisional learning opportunities within the park.

The applicant will also throughout their time at RNSP will be able to shadow other divisions to get an overall view of how the park functions.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: The schedule for this position will be 40 hours/week, Days TBD.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $660/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information on our usaconservation website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the National Park Service. However, a weekly housing reimbursement of $500/month is available to help offset housing costs.

Gear Allowance: Each ACE member will have up to $500 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Training Reimbursement: Each ACE member will have up to $1,500 to spend on eligible training expenses

Travel Reimbursement: Each ACE member will have up to $500 to spend on eligible travel expenses

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Experience or interest in interpretation, environmental education, recreation, or park operations
• Experience with visitor services
• Interest in outdoor recreation and education
• Ability to remain calm and helpful during high-stress visitor interactions
• Passion for natural and cultural resource stewardship

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent standing, walking, and hiking in various conditions. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 75 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Travel: This position might require unique travel

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the National Park Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the National Park Service. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the National Park Service, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to National Park Service and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position on usaconservation website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact our ACE EPIC Western Member Manager, Vanessa Rogan.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.