Job Description

Service Position Summary

Interpretation AmeriCorps members will be working alongside permanent and seasonal Interpretation staff and assist in staffing the Panther Junction Visitor Center.

They will have an opportunity to receive training in supporting, creating, and presenting interpretation programs.

Service Location

Big Bend, TX

Service Schedule

June 8, 2026 - October 23, 2026

Immediate Supervisor/Title

Christy Negele/Acting Interpretation Supervisor and Volunteer Manager, christy_negele@nps.gov

AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours

675 hours

Essential Functions

Visitor Center Duties

• Staff the information desk, providing orientation and information to park visitors
• Write permits for visitors including: backpacking permits, river permits, backcountry roadside camping permits, horse permits, and fishing permits
• Explain Leave No Trace principles and park regulations to all permit holders
• Operate a NPS fee register, selling park passes, entrance fees, and fees for backcountry permits
• Work with kids and young adults who are looking to complete the Jr. Ranger Program
• Work with volunteers throughout the park (Camp Hosts, PSAR volunteers, and Visitor Center Hosts) to ensure that everyone receives up-to-date information about visitors in their sphere of work
• Handle Lost and Found inquiries and fill out Lost and Found forms for visitors

Collateral Duties

• Answer the public information phone line and provide information to park visitors and the public
• Respond to email requests from the public
• Respond to education letters from schools seeking information about the park or materials for various school projects

Marginal Functions

• Assist park staff with general operations and visitor activities as needed; Support park-led events, programs, or maintenance tasks when requested; Provide occasional assistance with park fuels management or related resource projects.

Age Requirement

Adults 18 or older

Required Qualifications

• Driver’s license
• Interest in public land, environmental education, and public outreach efforts

Local applicants only.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
• Being at least 18 years or older
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete
• Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

• Park housing or commuting

Compensation

• $600/wk living stipend
• Relocation cost support as needed, up to $650

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

• Interpretation and Education Training

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies, including people of varying personal perspectives.
• Ability to understand and show respect for natural environments, locally significant locations, and local peoples.
• Able to stay alert and engaged for extended periods of program time.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-medicate by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance (except possibly at the direction of higher medical authority in emergency situations).
• May need to lifts and/or carry items up to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions

Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.; Work may take place in cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.; Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.; Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.; Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.