Volunteer Student Internship (non-paid), Interpretation and Education

NPS Photo

Job Title

Volunteer Student Intern (non-paid), Interpretation and Education (up to 4 positions are available)

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2024, or until 15 applications have been received, whichever comes first.

Working Conditions

You will be expected to work in a variety of conditions. You will be exposed to the summer heat and humidity. There will be exposure to the sun and potentially biting insects. In addition, you will be occasionally expected to report to one duty station and then drive (less than 3 miles) to a second duty station. You will be required to stand for long periods of time and walk at least ¼ mile.

Please note: Housing is not available for this internship.

Eligibility

College students and recent (within 6 months) college graduates over the age of 18 majoring in history, museum studies, communication, education, or natural sciences will be considered. No previous experience is required. You must possess a valid driver’s license and have your own transportation. Applicants must pass a criminal background check which requires fingerprinting (instructions will be given if chosen).

Time Commitment

This internship will run approximately from early June through early to mid-August. Valley Forge NHP is open 7 days a week and holidays. Work on weekends or holidays may be required. The workday will begin at 8:45AM and end at 5:15PM. You will be required to work a minimum of 2 days per week (16 hours) with an opportunity for more hours if wanted.

How To Apply

Please submit the following:

• Cover letter indicating the title of the position, how you found out about the position, whether the internship will contribute toward college credits, graduation date or anticipated graduation date.

• Resume

• Transcript (official or unofficial)

• Writing sample describing what you hope to gain through this internship (no more than 1 page).

• Contact information for two academic or professional references.

Please mail or email your completed packet to:

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Attn: Beth Dhunjisha

1400 N. Outer Line Dr.

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Email: [e-mail]

Typical Duties

As an unpaid intern with the Interpretation and Education Department at Valley Forge National Historical Park, you will work closely with park rangers to:

• Orient visitors at the Visitor Center to Valley Forge history, trails, and general layout of park, answer phones, and make scripted announcements over a public address system.

• Work at Washington’s Headquarters interpreting various histories including the industrial village of Valley Forge, Washington and his military family, early memorialization, and state park days.

Additional Duties

An independent project will also be incorporated into this internship if your university doesn’t provide one.

Benefits

• Build your professional network and knowledge of the National Park Service.

• Have access to complementary training opportunities (e.g., history, natural resources, safety, etc.).

• Develop a tangible product that can have a lasting impact on the park’s interpretation and education department.

• Deepen your appreciation of Valley Forge National Historical Park, each of our key partners, and how we collaborate to steward this land and its stories.