Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project offers enriching internships and fellowships nationwide for college students and early career professionals who are passionate about the outdoors, geography, community engagement, public lands, cultural resources, and natural resources.
We are currently hiring for a National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Communications Fellow!
The Office of Outdoor Recreation Communications Fellow will work with the NPS Office of Outdoor Recreation to support improved communications around the extensive range of outdoor recreation and visitor use management efforts involving the NPS and our partners for NPS leadership and staff across the service. The fellow will assist in a variety of efforts aimed at improving communications promoting equitable and sustainable recreation access and digital information across the NPS, including updating and developing internal and external NPS websites, publications, and other communication resources.
Internship Overview
Given Hispanic Access Foundation’s mission and vision we encourage those who culturally identify as Latino/a to apply; however we do not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, marital status, familial status, family responsibility, pregnancy or other pregnancy-related conditions, childbirth, disability, military/veteran status, citizenship status, religion or political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal or state law, local ordinance or Executive Orders. The Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
| Project Title | NPS Office of Outdoor Recreation Communications Fellow |
| Project Type | Remote or Hybrid |
| Duration | 12 Month Fellowship (47 weeks): Starting March 2024 through March 2025 (dates are dependent upon the start date.) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. – National Park Service Headquarters, Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street NW, Washington DC, 20240 (Location Negotiable after Selection. May Work Remotely.) |
| Housing | Must be secured by the fellow. A housing stipend of up to $700/month will be provided. |
Project Background:
The National Park Service Office of Outdoor Recreation is a resource, a central point of contact, a partner, and a leader in setting the standard for sustainable outdoor recreation management across the NPS. We bring together the resources that are needed to provide consistent management for sustainable, responsible, accessible, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, experiences and visitor services across the NPS.
By leveraging a distributed network of skilled staff across the nation in agency sites, regional offices and partnering offices, the Office of Outdoor Recreation delivers a coordinated suite of services to further the outdoor recreation mission of the NPS and the Department of the Interior.
The growing importance of outdoor recreation requires the NPS, one of the world’s leading recreation providers, to take a focused and collaborative approach that is responsive to the accelerating pace of change. The choices for outdoor recreation activities are abundant and ever evolving. Changing preferences, demographics, and equipment technology all impact outdoor recreation choices, but can also impact management decisions related to these activities. Expanding demand for these experiences can place a strain on our natural and cultural resources, calling for new and innovative ways for providing low impact, high value opportunities.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation Communications Fellow will work with the NPS Office of Outdoor Recreation to support improved communications around the extensive range of outdoor recreation and visitor use management efforts involving the NPS and our partners for NPS leadership and staff across the service. The fellow will assist in a variety of efforts aimed at improving communications promoting equitable and sustainable recreation access and digital information across the NPS, including updating and developing internal and external NPS websites, publications, and other communication resources.
The Fellow will be required to work independently, at times, and as part of a team to complete complex tasks. The Fellow must be able to prioritize their time given multiple work assignments, meet agreed-upon deadlines, and be organized in their work.
Project Duties:
Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Updating internal websites and digital platforms for sharing information and improving coordination;
- Learning the NPS content management system and developing outdoor recreation activity pages on nps.gov;
- Preparing newsletters, reports, webinars, and correspondences;
- Preparing the Office of Outdoor Recreation annual report;
- Researching and compiling best practices;
- Assisting in organizing and facilitating agency and stakeholder coordination meetings;
- Assisting in other projects requiring immediate attention; and
- Presenting results of work products.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation Communications Fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with NPS staff in other programs and Directorates, as well as other fellows during the fellowship term. The work will be remote in nature, but if the candidate is local to the Washington D.C. area, there will be opportunities to go into the office. A valid driver’s license is encouraged in case travel is necessary.
Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Foundation Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.
Desired Qualifications:
The ideal candidate:
- Successful experience in communications, marketing, and/or graphic design.
- Ability to think critically and creatively.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to initiate and carry out independent research.
- Strong literature review and analytical skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and develop strong partner networks.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Experience (proficiency preferred) using the following software programs: the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign; Canva; Excel and other Microsoft programs; and Google Drive.
- Preferred experience in developing communications materials, including newsletters and basic websites.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Age under 30 y.o. as of January 2024 (up to 35 y.o. for veterans)
- Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, public affairs OR outdoor recreation, planning, law, engineering, landscape architecture, environmental education, community engagement, community organizing, environmental studies, or a related field with an interest in communications, marketing, graphic design, or public affairs.
- Coursework or experience in communications, marketing, graphic design, or public affairs.
- US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
- Available to work full-time (40 hours per week).
Working Conditions: This position will be remote or hybrid, and functions will be primarily performed at a desk and on a computer. When working remotely, the fellow will be required to ensure:
- A safe and clean workspace environment free of work hazards (e.g., adequate ventilation, smoke detector/s, sturdy work chair and desk)
- Reliable internet service adequate for effective web conferencing
- A noise free environment with adequate lighting for work productivity and respectful participation in meetings.
Stipend + Benefits:
- A biweekly stipend of $1320 based on a 40-hour workweek* ($16.50/hourly)
- Monthly housing stipend up to $700/month
- Travel stipend to defray cost of roundtrip travel to and from internship location
- Health insurance coverage
- Professional development opportunities and funds that align with role and goals (TBD upon program approval)
- Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing 960 hours, PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.
*Fellows are hired as contractors; the stipend is subject to income taxation, but taxes will not be withheld from stipends. Fellows will be provided a 1099-MISC form for tax purposes.
To Apply
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access’ MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Stephanie Pereira at stephanie@hispanicaccess.org.
Applications for this position are due on Sunday, February 11, 2024, 11:59 pm.