Northwest Youth Corps OR - 480 HR

National Park Service

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Astoria, Oregon

Position Title: Interpretation and Education Intern- 480 HR

Position Summary:

The National Park Service is recruiting two to three interns to provide interpretation and education support at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park between early June 2025 and August/September 2025. Starting date is negotiable to accommodate student schedules. The focus is on the months of June, July, and August due to recreating public. The member will learn interpretive methods and offer costumed programs at Fort Clatsop, act as instructors for summer youth enrichment programs, and lead hikes and kayak trips for the public.

About Northwest Youth Corps (NYC):

The Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1984 to offer teenagers and young adults an education-based work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. Today, we serve over 1,000 youth and young adults each year across a four-state region who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth and young adults to learn, grow and experience success.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Environmental Education (35%)
  • Duties will include instructing enrichment activities for students on general ecology, edible plants, and animal behaviors. Some formal training will be provided on this topic.
• Kayak Programs (20%)
  • Duties will include kayaking while presenting informational talks, ensuring safety of visitors, and surveying for new invasive species infestations along 2.0 miles of the Lewis and Clark River.
• Visitor Engagement (45%)
  • Duties will include orienting visitors at the park, assisting with the Junior Ranger program, and providing costumed fort programs and uniform nature walks.

Required Qualifications:

• Current driver's license and clean driving record
• Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
• U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
• Must pass a background/driver check
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Ability to work outdoors, hike, and assist the public in remote settings and inclement weather on uneven ground
• Willingness to work as part of a team in an outdoor setting
• Ability to give direction and talk to the public
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to paddle and self-rescue out of a kayak or canoe (training will be provided)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs
• A positive attitude

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in presenting informational or educational talks to the general public
• Experience teaching and/or leading youth, conservation, reforestation and/or outdoor rec skills
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking, reading and writing skills

Duty Location:

The Interns will report to the Visitor Services Division, Fort Clatsop Unit of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, 92343 Fort Clatsop Road in Astoria, Oregon. With seven sites on both sides of the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, the park includes wetlands, upland forests, coastal dunes, and prairies. Annual visitation is more than 250,000 visitors.

Terms of Employment:

The intern will complete a term of service of 12 weeks between early June 2025 and August/September 2025. The member will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays. Members are responsible for providing their own food.

Program Benefits:

$7,200 living allowance prorated monthly throughout the 12-week term of service. The living allowance is taxable.

Application Instructions

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.

Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: June - August/September 2025

Length of Term: 12 Weeks (minimum of 480 Hours)

Additional Information

If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Program Coordinator Molly Babcock at mollyb@nwyouthcorps.org or (541) 521-3139, or Visitor Services Program Manager Jill Harding at Jill_Harding@nps.gov or (503) 861-4421.

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history.

The member will not engage in any prohibited activities as stated in the Member Service Agreement.