2014 Youth Interns: Interpretation and Resource Management Interns
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL PROJECT TO BE INITIATED THROUGH Homestead National Monument of America Funding Opportunity Number: FY2014-HOME-YI3-0001 Park: Homestead National Monument of America 8523 Nebraska 4 Beatrice, NE 68310 Project title: 2014 Youth Interns: Interpretation and Resource Management Interns Proposed Project Date: 05/19-12/31/2014 Estimated funding available: $17,160 Number of Positions: 3 with staggered start dates in May, July and September Summary: This project will provide three approximately 12 week interns to the park. The start dates will be staggered starting approximately May 19, 2014, July 1, 2014 and September 2, 2014. The grantee will provide the NPS with Nationwide recruitment capabilities and the ability for the NPS to select which interns will serve at the site. The grantee will provide the interns with a stipend that covers travel to and from Homestead National Monument of America and a weekly food allowance, uniform (at minimum three professional looking polo shirts), and the opportunity to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award. Background: Homestead National Monument of America is located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska on the site of the very first Homestead Claim filed in the United States of America. The site is 212 acres in size with approximately 100 acres of restored grassland, 60 acres of woodland and 1.5 miles of stream. The park hosts approximately 70,000 visitors a year many of which are school students coming for field trips. Possible Projects and Work Activities for 2014: The interns will assist park staff with project work in the areas of natural resource management, cultural resource management, interpretation, and visitor services. Specifically, you will assist in visitor reception at the Visitor Center, operate audio-visual equipment, assist visitors with questions concerning park resources and interpretive programs, maintain stocks of free publications and assist with special events planning (50%). Interns also provide vegetation monitoring, exotic and invasive plant control, and monthly monitoring of water quality (40%). In addition, Interns clean and maintain historic furnishings in the Palmer-Epard Cabin and Freeman School and assist park staff with cataloging and accessioning museum objects (10%). Most of the invasive species control and other resource management actions occur from July to October. During September, when school visitation is very high, the intern will learn and help with the curriculum based educational activities. Skills desired: • Academic coursework or experience in resource management, interpretation, education, visitor services or related natural science, history or communications; • Ability to welcome visitors courteously and provide information at visitor center; • Ability and enthusiasm to conduct resource management field work; • Interest in preparing and presenting formal interpretive programs, including the impact of the Homestead Act of 1862 on westward expansion. Educational background desired: Resource Management - some coursework or experience American History - some coursework or experience Natural History - some coursework or experience Writing/Publishing - some coursework or experience Communications - some coursework or experience Materials Requested for Statement of Information/Qualifications: Prepare a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with NPS staff. Include your name, organization, and contact information, a brief description of the organization and mission, as well as a description of relevant qualifications and experience with recruiting and placement of youth interns, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. In conjunction with the Statement of Information you are also required to submit a preliminary bid. The Statement of Information and preliminary bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project. Final costs and budget will be negotiated following selection of a recipient. Submit electronic Statement of Interest to catherine_schroeder@nps and julie_hendricks@nps.gov by 5:00 CST on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 as well as any questions you may have concerning the project. Please indicate the Opportunity Number and Project Title in the subject line of the email.
Office: National Park Service
Lead Grants Management Specialist
Phone 4026611662
