Latino Heritage Internship: Everglades National Park

The Everglades Education & Interpretation Intern will work with the park’s Division of Resource Education and Interpretation. The park’s education program is in the process of developing a curriculum-based program on the Hole-in-the-Donut restoration project, which has been underway since 1988 to restore 6,300 acres of farmland back to a natural sawgrass marsh in the southern portion of Everglades National Park. This successful restoration project has shed light on not only ways in which to eradicate the invasive Brazilian Pepper plant, but also on ways to collaborate with outside organizations for one collective effort. We have already begun this project through our previous LHIP interns, working with teachers and other partners from our community through virtual programs to educate students on this restoration effort, highlighting the successes and failures. 

The intern will help finalizing supporting curriculum materials to expand from our virtual programs to in-person hands-on programs that will showcase the park’s success in restoration and challenge students to create new plans to restore other areas within and outside the park’s boundaries.  These materials will demonstrate how national parks help to restore disturbed or human-altered habitats and resources, with a focus on the history of the land and those who used it, before and after restoration. Once these materials are culminated, a lesson plan will be developed and finalized for teachers to analyze the history, both cultural and natural, of the Hole-In-The-Donut restoration project, and the use and importance of mitigation funds and banks throughout the world. The intern will be paired with a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher, who can help guide the lesson plan writing. 

Since Everglades National Park was set aside for its biodiversity, the intern will also receive substantial training to better understand the complexities of the park’s ecosystem. Additionally, he/she will be introduced to multiple aspects of park operations including working in a visitor center and conducting research field work. Providing visitors with information and sharing their own enthusiasm for our national park resources is a great way to learn about all the park has to offer. Ideally the intern will also develop a short interpretive talk or guided walk about the park’s resources. Interpretive staff and online courses from the Eppley Institute will help guide program development.

Responsibilities:

The intern will help finalizing supporting curriculum materials to expand from our virtual programs to in-person hands-on programs that will showcase the park’s success in restoration and challenge students to create new plans to restore other areas within and outside the park’s boundaries.  

These materials will demonstrate how national parks help to restore disturbed or human-altered habitats and resources, with a focus on the history of the land and those who used it, before and after restoration. Once these materials are culminated, a lesson plan will be developed and finalized for teachers to analyze the history, both cultural and natural, of the Hole-In-The-Donut restoration project, and the use and importance of mitigation funds and banks throughout the world. The intern will be paired with a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher, who can help guide the lesson plan writing. 

Since Everglades National Park was set aside for its biodiversity, the intern will also receive substantial training to better understand the complexities of the park’s ecosystem. Additionally, he/she will be introduced to multiple aspects of park operations including working in a visitor center and conducting research field work. Providing visitors with information and sharing their own enthusiasm for our national park resources is a great way to learn about all the park has to offer. Ideally the intern will also develop a short interpretive talk or guided walk about the park’s resources. Interpretive staff and online courses from the Eppley Institute will help guide program development.

Qualifications:

Intern must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree program at an accredited institution of higher education during this summer internship. All degrees may be considered, but preferred fields of study include Education; History; Environmental, Physical, or Biological Sciences; Parks and Recreation; or similar studies related to the project. 

An intern who is eager to learn and try new things will benefit more from this internship. Also, someone who is comfortable sharing ideas, conversing with others, and speaking to the public (as in a visitor center or on the trail) is preferred.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)
Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.