Interpretation Member - Niobrara National Scenic River

Interpretation Member - Niobrara National Scenic River

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Niobrara National Scenic River (NIOB) is seeking Two Interpretation Members to engage youth in interpretation and resource protection alongside NIOB staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May/June 2026

Estimated End Date: August, September 2026

*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Niobrara National Scenic River (NIOB), Valentine, Nebraska.

The Niobrara National Scenic River is located in north-central Nebraska, approximately 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Omaha. Along the 76 mile stretch of the Niobrara are numerous waterfalls that empty into the river from the surrounding cliff and canyon walls. The Niobrara was designated as one of the 10 best rivers for canoeing in the United States. Considered an extraordinary example of a Great Plains river, the Niobrara is home to over 500 plant species, many at or beyond their usual range, including many not otherwise naturally found within several hundred miles.

For more information regarding the Niobrara National Scenic River, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: As an ACE Interpretation & Education Intern, you will play a hands‑on role in connecting visitors, youth, and local communities with the natural resources of the Niobrara National Scenic River. Interns assist with planning, preparing, and delivering our monthly public fishing clinics, helping introduce participants of all ages to safe, responsible, and enjoyable angling on the Niobrara. Duties may include setting up clinic stations, engaging visitors, helping manage gear, supporting partner‑led activities, and contributing creative ideas to enhance program outreach.

Interns will also help develop and present birding‑themed interpretive talks and activities, supporting our site’s growing suite of wildlife education opportunities. This may include crafting short presentations, guided walks, or youth‑centered bird programs that inspire curiosity and strengthen public connection to the river’s diverse bird species.

This position is ideal for applicants interested in conservation education, community engagement, and hands‑on field programming. Interns gain practical interpretive experience, build partnerships alongside staff and volunteers, and help deliver high‑quality public programs that support the mission of the Niobrara National Scenic River.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: The schedule for this position will be Thursday - Monday, 8:15am - 4:45pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $625/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2025/26 grant year program, valued up to $1,956.35 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450hrs. Please note, AmeriCorps position eligibility is not guaranteed and may not be available for all positions. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

This position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement must meet the PLC Eligibility Requirements to be considered for this position. Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing! Housing will be in dorms with our partners US Fish and Wildlife Service at either Fort Niobrara NWR or Valentine NWR.

Reimbursable Housing Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $300 monthly to be used towards housing costs. Not to exceed $1,200. (Housing will only cost $300 a month, so this payment will fully cover housing if the member chooses to utilize USFWS Housing.)

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $250 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. 

Qualifications 

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas. 

• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. 

• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE’s insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks 

• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. 

• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a science, outdoor recreation, or similar degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as geology, interpretation, public speaking, or history.

• Knowledge of canoeing or kayaking (optional).

• Ability and willingness to teach people.

• Deep interest in geology, birds, fish, water, history or something similar.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing, and canoeing/kayaking for several hours a day a few days in a row. Ability to lift canoes overhead. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment]. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and move river equipment as needed for portage.

• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.

• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 75 pounds.

• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.

• Travel: This position does not require unique travel

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:  If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the National Park Service/Niobrara National Scenic River or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the National Park Service/Niobrara National Scenic River. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the National Park Service/Niobrara National Scenic River, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to National Park Service/Niobrara National Scenic River and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Member Manager, Sabrina Caruso.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.