The posting
Position Summary
The Education program takes Kindergarten through 8th grade students from local public schools into the National Parks in their communities for hands-on, place-based field trips tied to the Utah science and social studies core standards. Teaching occurs in both in area schools and the outdoor classrooms of Arches National Park and the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. Although Individual Placements will provide education to all students, they will particularly assist the education team to improve the educational experience within the National Parks for the Spanish-speaking student community. To create deeper connections between Spanish-speaking students and their public lands, Individual Placements will assist with translation and general communication.
Individual Placements will also be involved in strengthening relationships in the local community. Interns will participate in community events, representing the National Park Service, and can develop and organize events bringing community groups into the park.
Hosting Organization
Arches National Park
Location
Moab, UT
- This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
- This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
Schedule
January 11, 2027 - April 9, 2027
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach standards-based lessons from the education team’s curriculum in English, providing Spanish translation as needed, manage students for safety in the outdoors, act as a language buddy for Spanish-speaking students, assist with pre- and post-field trip classroom visits (55%)
- Occasionally present and develop extracurricular programming for area youth which may include junior ranger programs, after-school clubs, or community events (15%)
- Prepare and plan for instruction, support education program logistics, safely drive a government vehicle, and complete projects to maintain program quality (10%)
- Participate in activities to develop education skills including program debriefs, training sessions for best practices in environmental education, informal peer observation, video self-evaluations, and formal coaching sessions (10%)
- With support, help translate educational materials, props, key terms, parent letters, and evaluations for field trips into Spanish. (5%)
- Contribute feedback to program to ensure its continued success (5%)
Marginal Duties
Assisting the National Park Service interpretation team in the Arches Visitor Center
Required Qualifications
- An intermediate level of Spanish language fluency (written and spoken preferred; spoken more important)
- A desire to work with elementary school students and explore careers with the National Park Service
- Curiosity about making science learning culturally relevant, multilingual, and meaningful for students through facilitating connections to their surrounding landscapes in Spanish and English
- Cultural humility and openness to multiple ways of thinking about nature and the environment
- Attention to growing as an educator and receiving feedback on teaching and teaching materials
- A collaborative approach to work and the ability to manage projects independently
- A state-issued Driver’s License and be at least eighteen years of age
- A personal vehicle
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. Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with youth.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is a shared park apartment or house with private bedroom. Basic kitchen dishware/cookware and utensils are provided. You should bring your own bedding, towels, toiletries, and other needed personal items. Washer/dryer and workout facilities are available.
Compensation
- $1,100 - one-time RT travel allowance
- $600 - weekly living allowance
- Housing provided by NPS
- AmeriCorps Eligible/Optional (Upon successful completion of service term and a minimum of 450 service hours) Education award valued at $1,956.35
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Driving
Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:
- Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training Interpretive Skills First Aid/CPR AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.
