LHIP Internship: Interpretation Ambassador (PLC) - ONSITE - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Location: Bushkill Township,Pennsylvania,United States

Start/End Dates: May 26, 2025 – October 10, 2025 (20 weeks)
Compensation: $688 per week
Medical Insurance: Not provided
Application Due: February 7, 2025

The Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) seeks to engage undergraduates and recent graduates ages 18 - 30, and up to 35 for veterans, for this unmatched leadership training program that is focused in the cultural and natural resource management. You must be (additional requirement):

• You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• A drivers license is required for this position.

*A personal vehicle is preferred for this position.

Position Description: 

The LHIP intern will contribute to the National Park Service (NPS) and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s (DEWA) mission by providing resource-based recreation, education, and enjoyment near the most densely populated region of the nation. The intern will have three central projects while serving at DEWA.

• Bilingual Public Programs:
  The first project is to build upon previous programmatic and community engagement successes by providing at least four bilingual public programs throughout the summer. A fluent Spanish-speaking visitor services presence is a significant need at the park and would greatly increase outreach to Latino visitors. DEWA staff have developed and initiated a very popular waterfall walk along an accessible trail, which would be an excellent opportunity for the intern to present to Spanish-speaking groups. Topics may include watersheds, migrations, adaptations, forest forensics, and more!

• Translating Park Publications:
  The second project for the Latino Heritage Intern would be to translate park publications and maps from English to Spanish. This would allow park rangers who are not bilingual to provide Spanish-speaking visitors with appropriate information for a safe and enjoyable visit.

• River and Beach Access Sites:
  The third project is to improve access to popular river and beach sites within the park by providing orientation, water safety information, and audience-centered interpretation to groups. The intern will be given time and support to develop pop-up programs, beach programs, and/or an introductory Spanish-language Junior Ranger Program to engage families in lessons and activities about river safety. (Over the past three years, there have been five visitor drownings at DEWA, with 40% of the victims speaking Spanish as their first language.)

Additionally, DEWA is partnering with Latino Outdoors, Outdoor Afro, and NPCA to provide guided hikes. The Latino Heritage Intern would prepare for the hikes with the park’s supervisory ranger and have the opportunity to coordinate, lead, and strengthen visitor relationships with resources and recreational opportunities. Interns will also collaborate with seasonal employees, partners, volunteers, and supervisory staff to attend community programs and outreach events with the goal of reaching Spanish-speaking visitors.

Responsibilities:

• Fluency in Spanish
• Interest in embracing new opportunities
• Willingness to develop and build self-awareness

Qualifications:

• Educational/Experience Requirements:

  • At least two years of coursework toward a degree in biological sciences or two years of field experience related to natural resource/vegetation work
  • One semester of coursework related to geospatial data

• Clearance:

  • Government security background clearance required before starting

• Work Abilities:

  • Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team
  • Effective communication with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public
  • Physical ability to:
    • Hike up to 10 miles daily on uneven terrain with a pack
    • Work in harsh and rapidly changing environments
    • Traverse uneven terrain and carry up to 40 pounds in a backpack
    • Maintain good physical condition

• Fieldwork Requirements:

  • Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field, as needed

• Organizational Skills:

  • Strong organizational abilities

Interns in this program will receive 800 hours towards Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority. See below