Individual Placement - Calaveras Interpretation Participant

Position Summary 

Two 13-week Student Conservation Association (SCA) Individual Placement interns at Calaveras Big Trees State Park to provide interpretive programs and staff the Visitor Center.

 

The interns will be trained on the natural and cultural history of Calaveras Big Trees State Park, with the main focus on giant sequoias, as well as interpretation as a whole. The interns will deliver information about the park to visitors at our Visitor Center and lead interpretive guided hikes, Little and Junior Ranger programs, and campfire programs to visitors of all ages and from all over the world. Other duties include staffing annual interpretive special events, outreach events such as parades, and administrative tasks. They may participate in other programmatic areas including law enforcement and natural resources.

 

Location 

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, CA

 

Schedule 

May 19, 2026 - August 15, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop and provide guided hikes about giant sequoias
• Develop and provide Little (3-6yrs) and Junior (7-12 yrs) programs for children, as well as review completed self-guided Junior Ranger packet
• Develop and provide a campfire program for all ages. Providing campfire programs means occasional weekend night shifts
• Assist during the opening and closing of the Visitor Center
• Welcome and provide information to visitors at the Visitor Center
• Staff annual interpretive events and outreach programs

 

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with administrative tasks and general workplace cleanliness
• Rove park premises while providing information and orientation
• Assist with the creation of posts for park’s social media

 

Required Qualifications 

• Customer service experience and/or experience with children
• Willingness to present in front of groups of people of all ages
• Ability to work with a team of both interpretive staff and volunteers
• Willingness to live in a rural area with limited WiFi and cell service
• Willingness to wear the California State Parks uniform
• The selectee will be required to pass a California State Parks background check

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Have experience presenting to the public or with schools
• Background in natural history
• Desire to pursue a career within public parks

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

• Free housing on-site

 

Compensation  

• $660/week

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

A car is highly recommended for transportation for errands outside of the park, but the housing is on-site. 

 

Additional Benefits 

• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Please apply as soon as possible. Interviews will begin in mid-to-late January.

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.