Interpretation Internship

This position is a shared effort between Kenai Fjords National Park (KFNP) and the Alaska SeaLife Center. The internship is administered by he Alaska SeaLife Center.  Site-specific training will be conducted separately by each organization. For the purposes of the National Park Service, this position is recognized as a volunteer park guide in interpretation. The fundamental objectives of the activities performed in KFNP position are resource education, resource protection, and public use management. Under the guidance of the National Park Service and interpretation staff, the intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties:

• Interpret all of the Alaska SeaLife Center’s static and live animal exhibits housing marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. Help maintain the physical appearance of manned exhibits and deliver announcements over the public address system.
• Present briefings, lectures, presentations, multi-media shows, structured and impromptu talks, and guided tours by learning to employ appropriate interpretive techniques and devices geared to the characteristics and interest of particular audiences.
• Create props and supplies for educational programs and assist with special events.
• Assist an NPS park ranger aboard a partner tour boat as the ranger conducts an interpretive program for the duration of a 5-hour ocean tour. Assist the ranger by demonstrating learned informal interpretive skills about marine wildlife, ecosystems, and environment in support of the ranger’s overall program and theme. Tour boats are subject to rain, cold, long periods of standing, and motion sickness.
• Deliver the NPS Junior Ranger program on the partner tour boat. Present multiple demonstrations for the children of passengers, focusing on hands-on and interactive lessons about marine wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment.
• Present daily demonstrations, talks, walks and/or tours to the public for both the ASLC and NPS relevant to the current research projects conducted at the Alaska SeaLife Center and in the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Please include the following as an attachment to your online application; 1-page cover letter, resume and at least 1 reference.

For any questions regarding this position, please contact the Alaska SeaLife Center Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]. 

Instructions for Applicants 

• Be sure to provide us with the best e-mail and phone number for contacting you.

• Upload the required additional information to your application
  • Cover Letter(s)
  • Resume
  • 1 Letter of Recommedation
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Program Requirements

• Applicants must be college graduates or currently enrolled in an accredited college or university with a background or coursework in a related field.
• Applicants must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction, have excellent communication skills, and good organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Public speaking skills, a familiarity with video equipment and software, and experience with education programs are highly encouraged.

Program Information 

• The internships are unpaid.
• Participation in program requires 40 hours per week.
• Interns will be required to sign a contract with the Alaska SeaLife Center agreeing to a start and end date.
• Housing is provided by the Alaska SeaLife Center
• College credit can be earned but must be arranged by you and your college.
• Interns are responsible for their own meals and travel expenses.
• Foreign students must obtain a J-1 visa to participate.                                     

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