Volunteer Internship - Public History

TIME REQUIREMENTS: 20-40 hours per week

SUPERVISOR: Lead Interpretive Ranger

DUTIES:

Participants in our visitor services internship program will learn to perform most of the duties associated with being a park ranger in the National Park Service.

The participant will learn how to research, develop, and present interpretive talks and conducted activities. He/she may also take part in living history programs (military and/or civilian).

The participant will be trained and gain experience in visitor center operations and informal interpretation techniques and keep a log of informal interpretive contacts.

The participant will learn to perform routine museum and library management tasks such as: accessioning, cataloging, basic conservation treatments, housekeeping, environmental monitoring, and exhibit planning and preparation.

Special assignments such as web page development, research projects, Power Point program design, development of temporary museum exhibits, and/or response to written information requests may be included in the internship experience.

Upon completion of the internship, the participant will submit products for certification in at least three modules of the National Park Service Interpretive Development Program

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,

Ability to handle stressful situations in a professional manner,

Ability to work independently,

General knowledge of the Civil War and the Battle of Stones River are desirable,

Must be able to stand for long periods of time,

Must be able to speak clearly, and

Must be able to walk four miles and/or bike ten miles.

TRAINING PROVIDED (R-Required, O-Optional)

Volunteer Orientation (R)

Orientation to the Battle of Stones River (R)

Visitor Center Operations Orientation (R)

Roving Operations Orientation (R)

Introduction to the National Park Service: The History of the NPS (R)

Foundations of Interpretation (R)

Effective Informal Interpretation (R)

Effective Interpretive Talks (R)

Effective Conducted Activities (R)

Historic Weapons Training (R)

First Aid and CPR (O)

Housing may be provided to interns committing to work at least 32 hours per week for a minimum of four weeks.