Internship description
Position: College Student Intern Reports to: Chief Ranger of Interpretation
This position will help keep Fort Davis relevant based on the following interpretive themes.
The history of Fort Davis, encompassing the conflict between native peoples (Apaches, Comanches, and Kiowas) and the ever-increasing flow of emigrants and settlers to the Trans-Pecos region, provides opportunities to explore the ideas of security, sovereignty, and cultural identity in the American West.
The historical integrity of Fort Davis (including quality and quantity of original fabric, historic records and artifacts, and the cultural/natural landscape) enables a deeper understanding of the realities of frontier military life in the American West.
The history of African-American soldiers at Fort Davis is an important chapter in the larger American social movement toward equality for all citizens; a movement that continues today.
Position Responsibilities: Visitor Services and Site Operations. The Intern will work in the Visitor Center providing orientations to visitors, collecting entrance fees, selling literature/books at the Western National Parks Agency register, and maintaining the organization and supplies of the work area.
Professional development opportunities include: Exposure to the different career opportunities working for the National Park Service; experience working as a park ranger by developing and implementing interpretation programs including living history; and professional experience working records and references with the park curator.
Required Skills:
This position will help keep Fort Davis relevant based on the following interpretive themes.
The history of Fort Davis, encompassing the conflict between native peoples (Apaches, Comanches, and Kiowas) and the ever-increasing flow of emigrants and settlers to the Trans-Pecos region, provides opportunities to explore the ideas of security, sovereignty, and cultural identity in the American West.
The historical integrity of Fort Davis (including quality and quantity of original fabric, historic records and artifacts, and the cultural/natural landscape) enables a deeper understanding of the realities of frontier military life in the American West.
The history of African-American soldiers at Fort Davis is an important chapter in the larger American social movement toward equality for all citizens; a movement that continues today.
Position Responsibilities: Visitor Services and Site Operations. The Intern will work in the Visitor Center providing orientations to visitors, collecting entrance fees, selling literature/books at the Western National Parks Agency register, and maintaining the organization and supplies of the work area.
- Interpretive duties include presenting programs and/or historic demonstrations with experienced interpreters or independently using pre-developed materials. Many of these programs will be living history activities that require the intern to wear period clothing. Period clothing for women is 1880’s officer’s wife and servant dresses, shoes, etc.; for men 1880’s full wool military uniforms.
- Resource Management duties include hiking nature trails, litter removal, and looking for signs of safety hazards or vandalism.
- In addition, support the site and staff in the areas of facilities, equine care, and opening and closing duties.
- The Intern may also assist with a variety of other ranger division activities.
Professional development opportunities include: Exposure to the different career opportunities working for the National Park Service; experience working as a park ranger by developing and implementing interpretation programs including living history; and professional experience working records and references with the park curator.
Required Skills:
- Experienced in public speaking
- Customer service oriented
- Works well with children
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint