The Education and Interpretation Individual Placement is an internship position based at Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) in Virginia. Interns may work out of Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (North District, mile 4.6), Byrd Visitor Center (Central District, mile 51) or the Education Office (Park Headquarters). The Individual Placement (IP) will work with and report directly to National Park Service Staff.

Interpretation and Education Individual Placements are responsible for preparing and presenting programs for the general public and educational groups including guided walks and hikes, interpretive talks, Junior Ranger programs, curriculum-based education programs, and illustrated evening programs on the Park’s interpretive themes (wildlife, geology, ecology, history, climate change, ecology). These programs are presented in a diversity of Park locations including amphitheaters, trails, visitor centers, and historic buildings. In addition, IPs will prepare and present recorded virtual programs and live distance learning programs for delivery on the internet. Regular public interaction and public speaking will be a requirement. Interns also staff visitor centers and provide information and informal interpretation to visitors during fixed station and roving assignments. IPs work 40 hours per week with two consecutive days off.

IPs receive formal training in resource interpretation and education skills, natural and cultural resources, customer service, and safety plus on-the-job training in presenting interpretive and education programs and park operations. Additional training and professional development opportunities may also be available. If you love learning, sharing what you’ve learned with others, and working hard in a team environment, these positions are incredibly rewarding.