JOB SUMMARY: The Internship Program provides students enrolled in a variety of educational environments (high schools, colleges, trade schools and other qualifying educational institutions) with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. This position is established to provide a meaningful employment opportunity in the Park Guide occupation. MAJOR DUTIES: 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 interpretation and explanation 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 tl;1us encourage protection and preservation of the scenic, scientific or historic features. The talks may be given in conjunction with live demonstrations, the use of electronic maps, photographic slides, and other audio-visual devices. 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 on trips of two or more hours duration; the work situation is such that there is potential danger of serious accidents or injury or other emergency situations; or the trips are of several hours duration, and teams of guides are utilized. 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 which 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 teak place there, 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 Services 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, concession-operated facilities and services, campground availability and hiking trails. Additionally, provides public orientation and explanations of current park events, and informs visitors of potential safety hazards. Miscellaneous Duties: Assists in orientation and on the job training of new employees, mentoring as assigned; 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 miner maintenance duties to ensure a clean, safe work area; Utilizes GSA and park vehicles: (requires Valid Driver's License); Serves on one or more task ana avent-oriented teams· Maintains property inventory; Operates and maintains audio-visual equipment and inventory of same; and assists other staff in the performance of clerical work such as time and attendance, travel, and other administrative areas Collect parking fees and performing Park pass sales Intern NTE: Temporary appointment not-to-exceed one year but may be extended each year without further competition, if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements under the Pathways Internship program and funding is available. Interns may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to permanent employment. Lincoln Home National Historic Site - Point of Contact: Isaiah Frater, isaiah_frater@nps.gov, 217-391-3257 Cut-off Dates: This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement. INITIAL CUT OFF IS Monday, October 14, 2024 Referral certificates will be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
