Climate Change Interpretation and Communications Internship

NPS Unit:

Everglades National Park

Project Title:

Climate Change Interpretation and Communications Internship

Location:  

Homestead, FL

Position Description:

The National Park Service (NPS) cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. From the Gates of the Arctic to the lowlands of the Florida Everglades, many of these famed landscapes are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change. In response, parks across the country are engaging visitors, partners, and local communities in an ongoing dialogue about the implications of a changing climate. Furthermore, the NPS strives to “lead by example” by showcasing sustainable management actions and practices presently occurring in parks.

Everglades National Park is currently offering a temporary, three-month-long internship to help advance climate change communications in south Florida’s national park areas. The person selected for this position would assist in developing several distinct products for use in the park.

During his/her time with Everglades, the GW intern will work in consultation with key park staff in the development of these three priority needs:

1.)     In consultation with personnel from our interpretive, facilities, and park planning divisions, the intern will take the lead in identifying opportunities and appropriate techniques for effectively highlighting climate change mitigation efforts currently employed in the park. The intern will work to implement creative solutions for highlighting sustainable operations in appropriate areas.

2.)     The intern will work alongside members of the science communications team to develop specific content to be featured on the park website. This content would provide basic climate science, showcase examples of  change in south Florida, provide links to relevant science and publications, and help highlight park science, responses, and sustainable park practices.

3.)     In consultation with education staff, the intern will take the lead in the development of climate change activities for inclusion in the environmental education program and/or Junior Ranger program. These products will be used to introduce climate change topics into an established curriculum-based education program that currently reaches more than 13,000 local students annually, and a junior ranger program that reaches over 12,000 visiting youth annually.

Once completed, these projects will not only be used to engage park audiences, but will also serve to enhance the understanding of climate change topics among current and future park staff, and provide sources of inspiration for additional climate change interpretation.

Learning goals:

Owing largely to its geography and slight elevation, South Florida is largely viewed as one of the nation’s most vulnerable landscapes to sea level rise. Areas of Everglades National Park—one of the crown jewels of the National Park System—are already experiencing observable change as a result, and robust studies continue to document both present and potential impacts. Furthermore, predicted impacts resulting from a decrease in rainfall, increases in atmospheric and ocean temperature, and changes in the frequency and intensity of tropical storms  are generating a good deal of science that will help inform the manner in which we will manage such change in the future.

The burgeoning megalopolis of south Florida’s coastal cities presents significant challenges, as it is wedged squarely between the park and a rising ocean.—the embodiment of life on the edge. As such, south Florida is a living laboratory to explore how we will balance the continued growth of human coastal communities with the needs of natural systems and the realities of a warming world. More importantly, it will test our very abilities to communicate and work collaboratively toward solutions that benefit all. 

During his/her time in south Florida, the selected intern will be afforded a glimpse into a century-long drama that has brought the Everglades to their current state, and will contribute in part to the story that will continue to unfold in the next hundred years. 

Products:

The following products will be due at the end of the internship:

1.)     Conceptual content, graphics, and/or artwork highlighting several key sustainability/mitigation projects and programs  in Everglades National Park for use on park signage and/or interpretive media.

2.)     A series of related web pages under the Everglades National Park website that highlight climate change science, impacts, and efforts in south Florida.

3.)     Original curriculum-based education activities or appropriate Junior Ranger activities that provide opportunities for young park audiences to learn more about how they relate to a changing climate.

Qualifications:

A basic understanding of climate science and relevant coursework in the biological or physical sciences is preferred. Because much of this internship will revolve around design and communications,  coursework and experience in communications is desired and coursework in graphic design and desktop publishing is required. Candidates should have good working knowledge of principles of design, and experience in the use of multimedia design software including—but not limited to—Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Flash.

Position Dates:

The internship will begin approximately October, 2012 and end around January, 2012. Start and end dates for this position are negotiable. Applicants should be aware that anticipated travel and leave associated with the holiday season will be accommodated.

Eligibility:

Applications will be accepted from both undergraduate and graduate students.

Pay & Schedule:

$12.00 per hour, 40 hours per week. Part-time schedules can also be accommodated.

Housing Available:

Housing will not be available for this internship.

Vehicle Required:

All applicants will be required to have a personal vehicle and a valid state driver’s license. The intern will be granted access to government vehicles only while conducting official government business.

Work Environment:

Work duties will take place primarily on Mondays through Fridays, and mostly in an office setting. Occasional field work may be required. Field work can be difficult during south Florida’s humid summers, and biting insects can become abundant when conditions are favorable. Applicants should be prepared for the challenges of working occasionally outdoors in a subtropical environment. Due to the size of Everglades National Park, the selectee may be required to drive a government vehicle considerable distances between offices.

How to Apply:

Please forward a cover letter, a copy of your unofficial transcripts, and a resume/CV via email to: Larry Perez, Science Communications, Everglades National Park, Larry_Perez@nps.gov and PDion@NCSEonline.org.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to Larry Perez at the email address above, or by phone at 305-224-4263.