Visitor and Resource Protection Members- Everglades National Park

Position Summary American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Visitor and Resource Protection Member to contribute to visitor safety and resource protection efforts alongside National Park staff. Start Date: Late May/Early June 2026 (or, as soon as possible) Estimated End Date: 43 weeks after start date • a 43-week minimum commitment is required Local candidates encouraged to apply Location Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States with more than 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairies, pine rocklands, hardwood forest, and an extensive mangrove estuary leading to Florida Bay and the Gulf of America. The park is home to many threatened and endangered species including the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee. The park also provides drinking water to millions of South Florida residents. The northern section of the park is accessible via Miami or Everglades City, while the southern section is accessible through Homestead. Position Overview This position will provide a member the opportunity to gain experience in public safety outreach, visitor services, and cross‑training with other National Park Service divisions. By the end of the internship, members will be able to provide a wide array of visitor services. Members have the opportunity to obtain certification to operate park watercraft as well as a basic first aid/CPR certification. The members will be adept at engaging a range of different groups and people and will offer a variety of opportunities for people to make meaningful connections to park resources and participate in park experiences. Responsibilities Serve as a proactive presence in high‑use areas (trailheads, campsites, waterways) to engage visitors before emergencies occur. Provide trip planning guidance, weather updates, and hazard information (e.g., wildlife, heat, dehydration, navigation). Encourage responsible recreation through one‑on‑one visitor interactions in the field. Monitor visitor use areas for safety concerns, resource impacts, and changing environmental conditions. Develop and deliver visitor safety messaging through printed materials, social media, interpretive signage, and roving contacts. Incorporate Leave No Trace, environmental stewardship, and safe recreation principles into all visitor interactions. Participate in outreach events, youth engagement programs, and community safety initiatives. Support interpretive programming by integrating safety and awareness themes into talks, walks, and informal interpretation. Staff visitor centers, entrance stations, and information desks with a focus on safety, trip planning, and accurate park information. Maintain detailed records of visitor interactions and assist with incident tracking and safety reporting. Follow park Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and uphold professional standards in public service and resource protection. Collaborate with multiple park divisions (Interpretation, Resource Protection, Trails) to support unified visitor experience goals. Contribute to the development and improvement of safety materials based on field observations and visitor feedback. Member Conduct at Visitor Centers Maintain professional demeanor and avoid personal conversations, non‑work activities, or personal electronic use while assigned to the visitor center desk. Maintain awareness of customer load and process visitor inquiries in a timely manner. Use low‑visitation periods productively by cleaning exhibits, stocking supplies, or completing other projects. Use objective, neutral language when discussing concessions, private businesses, or political issues; avoid personal opinions. Maintain up‑to‑date safety information and integrate relevant messages into trip planning contacts. Follow daily schedule and assignments with minimal deviation; anticipate and communicate potential scheduling issues. Balance visitor needs, especially during busy times. Report issues to supervisors promptly and resolve operational, equipment, or facility issues to minimize downtime. Maintain clean, organized visitor center and contact areas; keep publications and signage updated. Ensure facilities open and close at designated times and programs begin and end on schedule. Record statistics and other information regularly and legibly following park procedures. Schedule 5–8 hour days (40 hours per week). The schedule may include weekends and holidays to align with peak visitation. Benefits Living Allowance: Expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and receive $680/week dispersed bi‑weekly. Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for federal hiring authority after completion of term and 640 hours of service. Further eligibility details provided on the ACE website. Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and is not provided by ACE or Everglades National Park. Travel Allowance: Up to $500 in reimbursable funds for eligible pre‑approved travel expenses, subject to prior approval. Training: Training in PSAR operations, CPR/AED/First Aid, visitor engagement, Motorboat Operation Certification, and safety communication. Cross‑training opportunities with other NPS divisions may be provided. Qualifications Required: Authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship). Professional, positive, and enthusiastic representation of ACE and the partner organization. Self‑directed, capable of working alone, and a positive team contributor. Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record; must be 21+ to drive. Willing to undergo and pass required criminal history checks. Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Completion of bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑of‑term feedback forms, end‑of‑term evaluations, and, for longer terms, a mid‑term evaluation. Adherence to Member Service Agreement prohibitions. Preferred: Candidate pursuing or holding a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, emergency management, natural resource management, or related field. Knowledge in education, history, wilderness medicine, PSAR, or search and rescue. Ability and willingness to research, develop detailed outlines, present public programs, work in a team, and provide professional customer service. Deep interest in South Florida cultural and natural history. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions Physical Demands: Extended standing, hiking, paddling, and roving in harsh outdoor conditions; carrying up to 50 lbs; kneeling, climbing stairs, and/or crouching. Vision Requirements: Close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception; ability to focus. Environmental Conditions: Working under adverse weather; hot, humid conditions, thunderstorms; office environment with controlled temperature. Travel: Primarily field‑based with limited travel outside the park. Hazards: Extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, potentially dangerous wildlife. Duties performed safely to avoid endangerment. Vehicle and Equipment Use: Vehicle provided by NPS if required. PPE provided by NPS; adherence to safety protocols. How to Apply Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. EEO Statement ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job‑related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Contact If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you! For questions regarding this position, contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Program Manager, Maya Opara‑Nadi. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Conservation Experience - EPIC