Position Title: Hovenweep & Natural Bridges National Monuments – Park Ranger Individual Placement – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps

Site Location: Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 03/09/2026
• End Date: 06/12/2026
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hour – 14 Weeks

Number of Positions: 2 – One at Hovenweep NM & one at Natural Bridges NM

Purpose:

It is the mission of the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps to "lead our nations back to cultural and ecological well-being." The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps has offices in Acoma, Albuquerque, Gallup (Navajo Nation), Zuni, and Hopi. Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps serves local Indigenous communities in the regions we operate.

The National Park Service's Interpretation and Visitor Services division at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments (co-managed sites) mission is to educate the public on the significance of these sites' natural and cultural resources. We interpret the culture, history, geology, flora and fauna, and more to deeply connect the public to these places for their enjoyment and the conservation of these special places.

Hovenweep (Montezuma Creek, UT) preserves six prehistoric sites built between A.D. 1200 and 1300 which may have served as ceremonial centers. Natural Bridges (Blanding, UT) preserves three majestic natural bridges named "Kachina," "Owachomo" and "Sipapu" in honor of the Ancestral Puebloans who once made this place their home.

Description of Duties:

1) Staffing the Visitor Center

a) Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

i) Open and close the visitor center

ii) Provide visitors with information about park resources, trail conditions, weather, etc.

iii) Educate visitors about Visiting with Respect and Leave No Trace practices

2) Roving Park Trails

a) Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

i) Walk/hike park trails

ii) Answer visitor questions

iii) Assess/report trail conditions

iv) Communicate using radio

3) Develop & Present Interpretive Program

a) Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

i) Work with supervisor to identify valuable research materials and shadow staff for a broad understanding of natural/cultural history and interpretive techniques.

ii) Train in interpretive principles and use when drafting program outline.

iii) Present interpretive programs to visitors.

4) Produce Social Media Post(s)

a) Essential Functions and Responsibilities: draft text and take photographs for interpretive or informative posts to engage online visitors about park resources

5) Assist with improving interpretive content of digital media products (optional)

a) Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

i) Read research paper(s) provided about cultural sites' significance

ii) In partnership with another intern and under the direction of supervisor, systematically review digital media products for needed revision/improvements

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age up to 30 years old. Up to 35 if a military veteran.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Valid Driver's License
• Willingness to speak to the public
• Ability to hike 0.5 to 2 miles
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers
• Ability to accept feedback
• Good attitude and willingness to learn
• Experience working with the public/customer service
• Minimum education in geology, natural science, and history

Physical Requirements:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 03/09/2026 to 06/12/2026, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Member will receive an orientation on Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Individual Placement Program - responsibilities and requirements of the program.
• Member will receive training with the National Park Service (NPS) - Standard operation procedures for opening & closing, training/review of VC FAQs, shadow more experienced staff at the desk, trail safety, radio usage, shadow more experienced staff on rove, geology/desert ecology/cultural history, review FAQs for trail, Leave No Trace, Authority of the Resource, foundations in interpretation (online), formal interpretation with supervisor, shadow more experienced staff's interpretive programs, geology/cultural history/desert ecology/astronomy, NPS policy and best practices for social media, coaching from NPS staff, recently published research, interpretive writing (online), NPS trainings on website editing, collaboration and guidance from park staff.
• Member will receive training on Defensive Driving via Conservation Legacy

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35
• Living Allowance of $650 per week.
• Additional Benefits:
• • $150 for Uniforms
  • $1,100 Relocation Stipend
• Paid Professional Development Opportunities
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Ancestral Lands IP Contact information: Teiyanknei Chee tchee@conservationlegacy.org

Hovenweep & Natural Bridges National Monuments Contact information: Natalie Barber Natalie_barber@nps.gov

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.