Position Details:

Stewards Individual Placements provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train a diverse group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities.

Join our team at Chiricahua National Monument! The Community Volunteer Ambassador will support programs that increase community engagement in parks and strengthen volunteer programs. A primary focus will be to support centennial event planning, and to connect community volunteers and partners with opportunities to engage in centennial programming. To accomplish this work, the CVA will be a key member of the Interpretation and Education team and will engage in cross-divisional support for other work teams. The CVA will work 40 hours a week and will primarily work at Chiricahua NM but will also support the volunteer program at Fort Bowie National Historic Site.

The CVA Supervisor will coordinate all onboarding and training for this position. At the beginning of the internship, the CVA and their supervisor will work together to identify professional development opportunities and to create a work plan that supports the interns personal and professional goals for this position.

`

Site Description:

Chiricahua National Monument, the “Wonderland of Rocks”, is located in the Sky Islands of Southern Arizona. Originally established in 1924 to protect the unique geologic landscape, this 12,000-acre park boasts incredible biodiversity and has unique cultural and natural resources. Seventeen miles of trails and scenic views entice 60,000 visitors to explore this beautiful and rugged landscape every year.

A robust and energetic team of volunteers work in the park and help Chiricahua meet its mission of preservation and providing for recreation at the site. This includes volunteers that live on site and support campground and visitor center operations, as well as volunteers that work periodically or participate in service projects. As the park gears up to commemorate its centennial in 2024, volunteers will play a large role in supporting additional programs and events to mark this milestone.

Position Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the park’s Volunteer Coordinator to create a Volunteer Engagement Strategy. This strategy will identify ways to engage with community members and partners, especially as it relates to centennial programs.
• Build local volunteer support for the park. Engage in outreach and community events with a focus on building relationships with new audiences and partners.
• Initiate opportunities for local volunteer efforts. Coordinate service projects in the parks and identify key programs that will benefit from volunteer support, such as historic preservation programs and youth engagement.
• Support administrative and management efforts for the Volunteer In Parks (VIP) program. Revise the current VIP handbook and support onboarding and training for new volunteers.
• Support visitor center operations, engage in formal and informal interpretation, and deliver education programs. This work will entail research, program development, and public speaking.

• Attain CMS authorship rights and social media editor rights to maintain and enhance park websites and social media accounts. Participate in applicable ethics and communications training to support work in these roles.

CVA Minimum Requirements:

• Outgoing
• Self-Motivated

• Effective Communication Skills
• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in early November 2023
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

• Be 18-30 years old at time of service (veterans up to 35 years old)
• Pass fingerprint-based FBI, state criminal, and a national sex offender checks.
• Be able to provide proof of a driver’s license and complete a MVR check
• Must be over 21 years old or have had license for at least 3 years to be insured in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public Speaking Skills
• Research Skills
• Organized and detail oriented
• Experience building networks and working with partners

• Computer Skills to include experience with Microsoft Programs

Additional Information:

This position does require driving a government vehicle. The CVA will be engaged in work in two different sites but will live at their primary duty park- Chiricahua NM. Housing is provided in the park at no cost to the CVA. Housing includes a private bedroom in a 3-bedroom home. Shared spaces include the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. There are opportunities to collaborate with other parks in the area, to include Coronado National Memorial.

Benefits:

• CVA will receive a weekly stipend of $500
• Limited health care/childcare benefits
• The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,495.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program
• Professional development funds

• Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority
• Week-long in-person training at NPS site with travel/meal expenses covered.

How to Apply

Please visit Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org) to review “Member Positions” by region and find instructions on how to apply.

The CVA position will start on Monday, September 11th, 2023, and run for 50 weeks until Friday, August 23rd, 2024. Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/sept-23-cva-application. Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.

Please ensure your cover letter addresses how your experience aligns with the CVA program, your experience working with diverse populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in.

Applications Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First review will occur in early June. Final deadline is Friday, July 21st, 2023.

For Application Questions:

Please contact Geoff Elliot, Program Director at gelliot@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.