Length:

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Term of positions is 47 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

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Location:

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Big Thicket National Preserve:

Living Allowance:

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$700/week, plus on-site housing

AmeriCorps Award:

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Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $6,895 (pre-tax).

Start Date:

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03/25/2024 or 4/1/2024

Application Due Date:

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Preference given to applicants that submit application by 2/12/2024

Title of Position

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African-American Experience in Big Thicket Steward

Position Details

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the partnership of Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH) is seeking an African-American Experience in Big Thicket Steward (member).

Position Responsibilities will include:

This member will work to create content and opportunities that tell a more inclusive and accurate story of cultural history in Big Thicket. The three main projects the member will work on include:

• Creating interpretive products for the public and resources for staff on the African American experience in Big Thicket. Topics include black settlement before and after the Civil War, Southeast Texas during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, Black-owned business in the area, and other pertinent untold stories.
• Training in, supporting, and independently developing interpretive programs. This includes:
  • Pop-up program for Juneteenth Event(s) in preserve’s gateway communities
  • “Capstone” interpretive offerings in Feb. 2025 coinciding with the celebration of Black history month
  • Digital media and resources for public education (see more below) including a webpage by Feb. 2025
• Presenting resources and research to the staff during a training/presentation in March of 2025. This body of work (in addition to developed pop-up and formal interpretive programming) should empower National Park Service staff to utilize untold stories in existing programs and encourage them to focus on this aspect of cultural history in new programming.

In addition to these three project areas, the member will also support:

• Visitor center operations by serving 2 desk shifts per week, with variation as needed
• Digital Media development by producing a minimum of one original social media post per month

Minimum Requirements:

• A passion for sharing stories, history, and the natural world with others.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct historical research and work semi-independently.
• Experience presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Must be between the ages of 18-30 years old at the start of this internship, per agreement requirements.
• Valid Driver’s License for at least three years and clean driving record (able to pass a MVR check).

Preferred Qualifications

• A college degree focusing in history, environmental education, or similar field of study is recommended but not required.

Benefits:

• Housing provide on-site.
• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $6,895 (pre-tax).
• Living Allowance: $700/week (pre-tax).
• On-the-job training and development opportunities for starting a career in the National Park Service or a similar federal agency.

How to Apply
Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions . In addition to your resume, please submit a one page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

Application Questions

Please contact Emma Nehan-Springstead at enehan@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.

Application Deadline

Please submit your application by February 12, 2024 to ensure full consideration.

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Required Skills

Required Experience

• Strong leadership skills and an ability to balance administrative needs with staff concerns
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with staff, interns, individuals, and referring agencies
• Must demonstrate an ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as a member of the outpatient management team
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Strong presentation and training skills