Expected Hours and Length of Internship: 40 hours/week; 3-month (12 weeks) internship; Timeframe: January-March 2017

Internship Overview:
The intern will be working with the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA), National Park Service Intermountain Region staff, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Staff, and other professional staff or local organizations as assigned. The intern will work primarily on historic preservation projects within the boundaries of the heritage area – including Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla counties, the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

The intern will assist with the identification of potential sites within the heritage area for listing on the National Register of Historic Sites. This includes evaluating and prioritizing an inventory of eligible historic properties for the National Register. The intern will prepare preliminary documentation for National Register applications that will require research, and/or interviews to gather all documentation necessary for the process. The intern will communicate with public land managers at the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, as well as with County Assessors in all three counties, heritage area board members, community members, and other professionals as needed. The intern will coordinate efforts with the Office of Archaeology and Preservation (OAHP), History Colorado to obtain correct forms, and understand nomination requirements and the approval process.

This project is part of the heritage area’s goal to identify heritage assets and historic sites within the heritage area to provide the public with a deeper understanding of this unique national park site. It also allows Great Sand Dunes to provide public programming on this significant NPS area, a site that is not often talked about in ranger programming. It supports and enhances the interpretive goals of both national park sites and provides the intern with opportunities for professional development with multiple, diverse partners.

During the internship, 2-3 public presentations will be scheduled in communities within the heritage area to promote and market heritage assets and/or historic sites that are eligible for national register of historic places list. The intern will conduct these presentations to promote the heritage area experience that this unique area has to offer. The intern will receive interpretive presentation training by National Park Service staff. These presentations along with the clearinghouse of historic assets and historic sites will be made available on the heritage area’s website.

Qualifications:
– Must be a graduate level student or recent graduate at an accredited university or college
– Degree or coursework must be related to historic preservation, including but not limited to public history, history, anthropology, education, or museum studies
– Must be 18-35 years of age; under the age of 26 to qualify for the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award
– Must be able to pass a general background check
– Must possess a valid Driver’s License and have a clean driving record
– Knowledge using historic research techniques
– Adept at writing technical reports
– Possess public speaking skills
– Experience using MS Office programs – powerpoint, word, excel

Location of Internship:

The internship will be located in Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area & Great Sand Dunes NPP, near Alamosa, Colorado. Housing is available at Great Sand Dunes or the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, free of charge, for eligible applicants residing/commuting outside a 60-mile radius of Alamosa.

Compensation:

This is a paid internship with an anticipated wage range of $12-14/hour. By the end of the internship, the intern will receive an education award (if under the age of 26) and will have noncompetitive federal hiring status under the Public Land Corps Authority (expires 120 days after completion of the internship).

How to Apply:

Interested candidates may submit applications to Alexandra Hernandez, Regional National Heritage Areas Coordinator, at Alexandra_hernandez@nps.gov. Applications must include a cover letter, résumé, and 2-3 references. Applications are due Monday, December 26, 2016.

Additional information about the programs can be found by visiting the following websites:

National Heritage Areas Program: www.nps.gov/heritageareas
Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area: www.sdcnha.org
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: www.nps.gov/grsa