Position Title: National Park Service – Conservation Steward - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve -

Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux, LA, 70301

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 06/30/2026
• Anticipated End Date: 12/18/2026 (25 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the conservation of natural areas. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JELA) protects and interprets significant examples of the Louisiana Mississippi River Delta’s rich cultural and natural resources that demonstrate the interaction of the region's distinctive natural areas, complex history, varied communities, lifeways, and traditions. The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center interprets the culture and natural history of the Mississippi Delta Region through the lens of life in Louisiana bayou culture. Their story explores food, music, language, and the rich cultural heritage of south Louisiana.

The Conservation Steward is an AmeriCorps volunteer position that will support park programming to engage visitors about music, wetlands, and regional traditions. The volunteer will be trained in all aspects of interpretive programming at JELA, learning valuable skills in cultural and historical preservation and interpretation. The volunteer will serve alongside experienced National Park Service employees to help develop interpretive and educational programming and exhibits. The volunteer will aid NPS staff in developing education modules and incorporating exciting lessons for field, classroom, and virtual learning that tie to regional English, social studies, and science standards.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, apply now by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the National Park Service!

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, please visit: Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

Description of Duties:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer serving with Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Thibodaux, LA, your responsibilities will include:

• Developing programs to engage visitors on music, folk traditions, and the wetlands.
• Researching Louisiana culture, natural history, and regional traditions.
• Identifying folk artists, craftspeople, and musicians to engage in programming.
• Developing a new Bayou Lafourche waterway educational program.
• Identifying ways to explore and understand the importance of Bayou Lafourche, including its resources and protection.
• Developing a new natural resource program with an activity utilizing the boat.
• Serving alongside experienced National Park Service employees to help develop and provide programs.
• Developing new educational program offerings that will expand programming capabilities for upper middle school students.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.

• Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.

• 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.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.

• At least two years of college education is preferred.

Our Commitment:

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 40 hours a week Tuesday - Saturday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• The volunteer may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• The volunteer will serve fully in person on site.

Orientation and Training:

• The volunteer will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The volunteer will receive park safety training online.
• The volunteer will receive Interpretive training online and on site.
• The volunteer will receive training on existing history and programming, including boat safety training.
• The volunteer will receive training on all educational programs currently in place including current grade level expectations. Current curriculum standards will be provided.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14.
• Living Allowance of $630 per week.
• AmeriCorps Health Insurance if Eligible.
• Loan forbearance if Eligible.
• Interest Payments if Eligible.
• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.

• Training and Professional Development Opportunities.
• Employee Wellness Program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).

• Networking and Mentorship.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer, performance will be evaluated on whether the volunteer has completed the required number of hours, the volunteer has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the volunteer 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.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

mhall@conservationlegacy.org

681-666-3266

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, 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.