Student Trainee (Park Guide) (Start ASAP)

About the United States Department of the Interior

The United States Department of the Interior manages and conserves America's natural resources and cultural heritage. It oversees national parks, wildlife refuges, and tribal affairs, aiming to promote responsible land and resource management.

Your role

Special working conditions: Work is performed in historic structures with unalterable barriers to full accessibility.

• Give Talks: Provides pre-established talks normally following a prescribed outline and requiring application of broad subject-matter knowledge of the features of interest peculiar to the site. Such talks include detailed and specific interpretations and explanations of the outstanding features of the site from the standpoint of scientific or historical interest, the background of events leading up to the natural feature or phenomenon, the facts, events, personalities, and circumstances. In addition, the talks provide general information about other sites of public interest; facilities for public use; pertinent rules and regulations; and other matters designed to stimulate a sense of appreciation and thus encourage the protection and preservation of the scenic, scientific, or historic features.
• Answering Questions: Answers a wide variety of visitor questions. The questions encountered arise from observation of the features themselves; from the demonstrated major interests of visitors, or the nature of the talks. The answers to these questions require explanation and description of the background of the events leading up to the natural or scientific development and the introduction and discussion of an extensive body of facts, events, personalities, and circumstances.
• Guiding Parties: Guides very large groups (of up to 50 people) in situations where: the physical limitations of the area or facility being explained make it difficult to accommodate the party; the work situation is such that there is a potential danger of serious accidents or injury or other emergencies. If guiding a group of people along a fixed route the guide must keep the group together; maintain a pace which the group can keep up with and still conform to prescribed schedules; know the routes and any shortcuts that can be taken if necessary or desirable. If stationed at a point of visitor' concentration the guide must conduct visitors through the building/site, telling the story of the events which took place there, and how those events related to the particular historic situation. When the need arises, the guide must take measures to maintain order in the parties, prevent crowding or damage to historic sites, and take appropriate action in case of emergency until relieved.
• Providing High-Quality Service to Visitors: Provides a wide range of services to visitors, including assistance with lost articles, car trouble, and first aid; and provides information about weather conditions, highway routes, park and concessioner facilities, and prices. In performing this duty the guide is responsible for providing current, accurate information concerning the NPS and other surrounding areas of interest, explaining the area's recreational opportunities, including NPS interpretive services, and concession-operated facilities and services. Additionally, provides public orientation and explanations of current park events, and informs visitors of potential safety hazards. Overall is attentive and helpful to visitor needs and questions, providing a positive and high-quality experience to visitors.

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Performs crowd control at entrances and visitor center
• Gathers information from reporting parties concerning accidents/incidents within the park area and notifies appropriate personnel
• Performs minor maintenance duties to ensure a clean, safe work area
• Serves on one or more task and event-oriented teams
• Maintains property inventory
• Operates and maintains audio-visual equipment and inventory of the same
• Collect parking fees and performing Park pass sales

Training & development

The training & development of Interns at the US Department of the Interior is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to cultivate the skills and expertise of emerging talents. Interns engage in hands-on experiences, mentorship programs, and specialized workshops, fostering a deep understanding of the department's mission and operations. This immersive approach empowers interns to contribute meaningfully to the Department's diverse initiatives while preparing them for successful careers in public service.

Salary & benefits

The salary for this role at this company can range from $17 to $19 per hour.

If you are eligible for full-time employee these benefits include:

• Alternate Work Schedule (AWS)
• Child Care Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• EAP Additional Resources and Tips
• Fact Sheet Part-Time Employment
• Physical Fitness Program
• Taxable Reimbursement Request—Attachment 3
• Remote Work
• Student Loan Repayment
• Telework
• Whistleblower Protection
• Federal Health Programs (FEHB)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Planning for Retirement

Career progression

Beginning as an intern at the US Department of the Interior opens doors to a dynamic career progression. From gaining hands-on experience in resource management to contributing to policy development, interns evolve into valuable team members. With mentorship and diverse opportunities, they transition seamlessly into roles that shape the nation's environmental stewardship and public lands management.

Work-life balance

The US Department of the Interior prioritizes a harmonious work-life balance, fostering an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. With flexible schedules and a commitment to employee well-being, the department recognizes the importance of maintaining an equilibrium between fulfilling responsibilities and enjoying personal pursuits. Embracing a culture that values work-life balance enhances job satisfaction and contributes to a motivated and engaged workforce.

Culture & vibe

At the US Department of the Interior, collaboration flows like the nation's diverse landscapes, fostering a dynamic work culture where employees unite with a shared passion for preserving America's natural treasures. The office buzzes with innovation, mirroring the department's commitment to sustainable practices and responsible stewardship. Here, every individual is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of conservation, weaving together a culture of purpose, camaraderie, and environmental advocacy.

About you

Clarification from the agency:

Students eligible to apply must:

• Be accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a degree or certificate-seeking program, attending at least half-time and in good standing (minimum overall Grade Point Average of 2.0). Enrollment must be with an accredited educational institution or state-approved home school and
• Must live or attend school within the local commuting area 50-mile radius of Springfield, IL to be considered for this position.

Conditions of employment:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• You must be a student CURRENTLY accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a degree or qualifying certificate program on at least a half-time basis and in good standing.
• Pathways participant agreement is required.
• You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
• You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
• You may be required to work weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• This position has a mixed work schedule based on the varying workload, and your work schedule is subject to change from part-time to full-time to on-call as workload dictates.
• The entire period served under the Intern Program counts as a trial period.
• Applicants must be at least
  • 18 years old or
  • At least 16 years old and:
    • Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
    • Have completed a formal vocational training program; or
    • Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or
    • Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by the close of the announcement:

Experience: At least six (6) months of General Experience and six (6) months of Specialized Experience equivalent to at least the GS-03 level for a total of one year of experience.

General Experience is any work that demonstrates the ability to perform the position's work, or  experience that provides a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialized experience involves oral presentation of historical, scientific, or program information to groups; or developing and/or revising technical, historical, or scientific information for oral presentation to groups. Examples of specialized experience could include but are not limited to Park Guide or tour leader; naturalist; environmental educator or teacher; public speaking; customer service or other similar work. (Excess specialized experience can be substituted for general experience, but excess general experience cannot be substituted for required specialized experience.) Your resume must include hours worked per week.
-OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least two years of education above high school (60 semester hour or 90 quarter hours) which included at least 12 semester hours of directly related courses, such as in American history, science, public speaking, parks & recreation, education, or communications. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. For example, 6 months of general or specialized experience (50% of the experience requirements for this position and grade level) combined with one year of education as outlined above (50% of the education required to qualify), which included at least 6 semester hours of related courses such as American history, science, public speaking, parks & recreation, education or communications (50% of the directly-related courses required) would be considered qualifying. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Your resume must include hours worked per week. You must include transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess one of the following minimum qualifications by the close of the announcement:

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level. Specialized experience is experience that involves making oral presentations of historical, scientific, or program information to groups; or developing and/or revising technical, historical, or scientific information for oral presentation to groups. Examples of specialized experience could include Park Guide or tour leader; museum or observatory guide, docent, naturalist; environmental educator or teacher; teaching assistant; or other similar work. Your resume must include hours worked per week.
-OR-
Education: Successful completion of at least four years of education above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, such as American history, science, or public speaking. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours to qualify based on education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. NOTE: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described in A above (50% of the experience requirement), and 3 years of college study from an accredited institution (50% of the qualifying education) which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the related coursework required). The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts indicating credit hours to qualify based on education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected. You must include hours per week worked on your resume. Your resume must include hours worked per week. You must include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

You will NOT be considered under Pathways unless you provide supporting information from your school. Documentation may be provided in letter format from your academic advisor, school counselor, admission office, etc. to prove enrollment OR it may be provided in the form of several official documents from your school such as a copy of your official transcripts and a copy of your class schedule for next semester. Copies of documents from your school website are acceptable if they contain all relevant information as listed above. Letters from advisors or other school officials must be on school letterhead.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• careers.doi.gov/
• usgs.gov/human-capital/helpful-links benefits
• intern.usajobs.gov/job
• youtube.com/user/USInterior