JOB SUMMARY: The primary purpose of these positions are to contribute directly to the park education and outreach program by presenting curriculum-based education programs in the park and in schools, assisting with teacher workshops and staff training sessions, assisting in the development of curriculum-based materials, presenting special request programs in the park or for community outreach events, presenting special emphasis children's programs such as Junior ranger and youth camps MAJOR DUTIES: Present environmental and curriculum-based education programs for kindergarten through high school students following established themes, learning objectives, curriculum requirements, and guidelines, utilizing teaching methods appropriate to each grade level. Lead learning activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving that connect students with the park resources. Conducts basic research and assists in the writing, review, and evaluation of education program learning objectives, lesson plans, and resource materials. Assist with the presentation of training workshops for formal and non-formal educators, and park staff. Create program props, worksheets, handouts, other audio/visual aids, and computer-generated presentations to enhance education and interpretive programs. Present special emphasis or seasonal children's programs such as Junior Rangers, summer school, and youth service-learning camps. Assist with day-to day operation of the education program including answering phones, record keeping, internal communications, correspondences, and materials maintenance and storage. Research, develop, and present resource-based interpretive programs for the public during peak visitation periods or if staff shortages occur. Contact with park visitors through informal roving assignments and at visitor centers and responds to visitor questions, emergencies, or other needs by phone, email, or in person. In addition to above duties, GS-07 positions will also: Assist with the development and implementation of internet-based distance learning education programs including webcasts and interactive, multimedia virtual field trips, videos, and student activities. Prepare and lead sessions at training workshops. Develop and present in-park and offsite special request programs for groups from kindergarten to adult audiences, including, community outreach programs and events. Serve as mentor for student interns and other team members POSITION LOCATION: Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia, approximately 90 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The park consists of approximately 197,000 acres of land, including 80,000 acres designated as wilderness. Home to over 300 species of animals including black bears, white-tailed deer, owls, eagles, peregrine falcons, snakes, and Shenandoah salamanders as well as over 1,400 species of plants, Shenandoah National Park provides a variety of ecosystems along the mountain range. The Park offers biking, scenic driving along the 105-mile-long Skyline Drive, rock climbing, over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, horse trails, and some of the best night skies in this part of Virginia. Annual visitation is around 1.3 million, which has direct and extensive economic impact on the surrounding area (eight counties and nine municipalities). The Park hosts multiple special events and festivals throughout the year and draws more visitation in the fall to view the changing leaves. The park's natural, cultural and recreational resources are of vital interest to local and regional businesses, political leaders, conservation and outdoor recreation organizations, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Luray offers basic amenities such as stores and restaurants. Larger cities within two hours include Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Winchester, Culpeper and the Washington D.C. area. Additional Information: For additional information regarding this announcement or how to apply, please contact the HR Office at number or email provided in the announcement. For specific questions pertaining to the position being advertised, please contact Margo_Roseum@nps.gov or 540-999-3500 x 3488. When inquiring by email please include the announcement number NE-1612-SHEN-25-12617598-OC in the subject line. Positions are TEMPORARY seasonal not to exceed 1039 hours of work in a service year. This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in this announcement. The first cut-off date for referral is 11:59 pm (EST), December 16, 2024. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
