NH Conservation Corps- Interpretive Ranger
Are you interested in environmental education, park interpretation, outdoor recreation, conservation, science, and/or cultural history? You will get to experience each of these career pathways all while living in and serving New Hampshire State Parks! This position will provide you with real-world experience where you will gain skills in program development, management, marketing, networking, and evaluation. The skills learned and professional development opportunities offered throughout this position are invaluable! This experience is what YOU make it, and the NH Corps is here to guide you as you take the next step in reaching your career goals.Temporary Nonprofit
Job Location
Allenstown, New Hampshire
Job Description
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US:The SCA NH Corps is a collaboration between the SCA, the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and AmeriCorps, with generous contributions from Eversource Energy. Since 1994 the SCA NH Corps has provided over one million hours of service to the great little state of New Hampshire while training young adults to do valuable conservation work. Each year 27 young adult volunteers (18 Field Crew members and 9 Interpretive Rangers) contribute thousands of service hours, providing environmental education programs to the state’s residents and visitors and completing conservation service projects to improve and protect the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources from the Atlantic Coast to the White Mountains and beyond.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Position Dates: May 27th – October 31st 2024
This program has been branded the Discover the Power of Parks (DPP). The purpose of this program is to engage visitors with the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of New Hampshire. In this position you will connect residents and visitors through fun and engaging programs throughout your service term.
Late May- Mid-June – Education Training
During this time, you will be living at Bear Brook State Park with the other Interpretive Rangers and Field Crew Members. Throughout training you will learn from experienced NHCC staff, and other professionals in the field. In addition to the trainings listed below in the “position benefits” summary, you would also receive training in:
SCA, AmeriCorps, and NH State Park policies and protocols.
Leadership development and teamwork discussions and scenarios.
Hands-on experience in education, including program development, lesson and curriculum planning, and evaluation.
Educational pedagogies and various learning/teaching styles (such as place-based education, hands on and experiential education, multiple intelligences, learning abilities of childhood development, and teaching to multi-age audiences).
New England natural and cultural history, and local ecology and habitats training.
Outdoor and camping skills
The first week of June include receiving your Certified Interpretive Guide training from the National Association for Interpretation, as well as preparing for specific programs for your assigned park placements.
Mid-June – Mid-October – DPP programming
During this time members will serve in the field at one or more, but not all, of the following NH State Parks:
Monadnock State Park - Jaffrey, NH
Greenfield State Park - Greenfield, NH
White Lake State Park - Tamworth, NH
Umbagog Lake State Park - Cambridge, NH
Pawtuckaway State Park - Nottingham, NH
Bear Brook State Park - Allenstown, NH
Franconia Notch State Park - Franconia/Lincoln, NH
Pillsbury State Park – Washington, NH
Sunapee State Park – Newbury, NH
Miller State Park -Peterborough, NH
And More!
During your time at your designated park, you will assist with visitor services and develop and deliver environmental, cultural, and recreational programs. You live at your NH State parks, and may serve individually at your park, or with one other member. From mid-June - August you will create and staff educational drop-in tables or run 45 minutes to hour long interactive programs for multi age groups. In addition, you will be creating your own program schedules, develop and design your programs, and engage with park visitors to promote your programs and to enhance this experience.
September – Mid-October – Fall Outreach Season and continuation of DPP programs.
After Labor Day until Indigenous Peoples Day you may spend half your week delivering outreach programs for organizations in the communities surrounding your park. The remainder of your week, mainly Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday, will be spent delivering programs or assisting with visitor services at your park(s). Depending on park placements, you may focus only on the DPP programs and will not provide fall outreach programs in the community.
Mid-October – October 31st – Season Wrap Up
For the last several weeks of the program, in October, everyone will return to the NH Corps site at Bear Brook. During this time folks will clean and return gear, complete facilities projects to get camp ready for winter, finish programmatic paperwork and reporting, and celebrate before everyone departs for their next adventure.
Through this 5-month commitment you will serve communities throughout New Hampshire while contributing as active members of the SCA NH AmeriCorps program. For more general information about this and other positions with the SCA NH Corps please visit, https://www.thesca.org/NHcorps.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program delivery (50%)
You will spend the majority of your time delivering programs for DPP programs, as well as Fall Outreach programs. The number of programs you deliver each week will depend on your specific park, and the Fall outreach schedule. On average, Fall outreach can involve 5-13 programs per week, and for DPP programs about 12-16 programs per week.
Developing, researching, and creating new programs, as well as preparation for programs (25%)
This is the “behind the scenes” work that goes into creating a successful program. This will include typing program outlines and lesson plans, adapting existing curriculum for the needs of your program, create new program content, and researching topics to expand your knowledge on local ecosystems, natural and cultural history, and best practices in outdoor recreation. You will also need to ensure you have all the supplies and props needed for these programs, this can involve using existing materials (pond nets, animal sulk and pelts, outdoor survival tools, etc.), or having to create new materials (such as preparing craft supplies, laminating pictures, creating game pieces, etc.).
Non-program relates park engagement and promoting programs (15%)
In addition to engaging with park visitors during your programs, you will also need to engage with guests during your non-program times. This may include “roving” hiking trails to engage with guests and to encourage LNT and hiker safety, traveling to campsites at your park to engage with guests and to promote your program, and general visitors services (this will vary depending on your assigned park). We strive to enhance all park visitor’s experience while they are at NH State Parks, even if it is as simple as hiking trail recommendations, your favorite spots at the park, best time to find moose, and even your favorite local restaurant. During Fall Outreach season, you may have the opportunity to reach out and network within the local communities to schedule and coordinate programs.
Reporting and other duties as assigned (10%)
There will be weekly reports that are required to be completed by the end of your service week. These reports include data such as the number of participants in your programs, the number of non-program visitors you engaged in, programs offered, and a self-evaluation of your delivery of the program and changes you may want to make in the future. Other assignments may include writing general reflections, providing notes on topics you have researched, taking pictures of your programs and parks, etc. You will also be asked to participate in park staff meetings or other community chores (this is a minimal park of your position and will vary by park). You also may have the opportunity to spend time learning more about park administration and management, land use management, and other various responsibilities of working at a park.
POSITION BENEFITS:
Living Allowance $440 paid bi-weekly
All food is provided – estimated value is $1,210.
Housing is provided – estimated value is $2,840.
AmeriCorps Education Award $3,447.50, for qualifying educational expenses and loans, upon completion of 900 hours of service
Certified Interpretive Guide training – $400
Leave No Trace - Trainer Certification – $150
NH State Park Pass for day use in the 2024 season.
Requirements in Order to Serve:
US citizenship
High school diploma or GED
At least 21 years old
A valid driver’s license for at least 3 years
Have a reliable personal vehicle for the duration of the program
Ability to pass required state and federal background checks, as well as motor vehicle record check
A personal computer for the duration of the program
Commit to completing the entire 7-month service term from April 22 – October 31
Preferred Qualifications:
Passion and enthusiasm for the nature, outdoor recreation, ecology, environmental conservation, cultural history, and national service
Interest in education and teaching
Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team
Strong time management skills and attention to detail
Flexible and adaptable
Self-motivation
Public speaking experience
Willingness to camp and cook outdoors for extended periods of time
Creativity for developing engaging lessons and activities is a plus
Training Provided: Education Program Development, Management, Delivery, and Evaluation NH Natural History Wilderness First Responder & CPR Certified Interpretive Guide Leave No Trace Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Leadership and Teamwork Risk Management & More!
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Additional educational opportunities may include trainings provided by AmeriCorps, NH environmental organizations, and UNH Cooperative Extension. Also, NH is an outdoor recreational paradise with every activity available at your doorstep.
Professional Development Opportunities: NH Conservation Corps members will have an abundance of opportunities to learn many skills, volunteer with environmental and other local nonprofit organizations throughout NH, and learn from one another.
