PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-application-fall-2024. Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.

Community Volunteer Ambassador – Zion National Park

Location: Springdale, UT :

Stewards Individual Placements, a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program combines the strength of a national leader in conservation service with the National Park Service to train a diverse group of emerging leaders to assist park units in building lasting connections to communities.

The CVA position at Zion National Park is intended to foster a life-long interest in supporting volunteerism and community action in the National Park Service and in natural spaces as a whole. The CVA will be involved in all aspects of the Volunteer-In-Parks Program - from recruiting, to training, to hosting one-time group volunteer events, to getting to know volunteers who have served at Zion National Park for over a decade.

Site Description

Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah was the first National Park. This area was first designated as a Mukuntuweep National Monument in 1909 and became Zion National Park in 1919. At a glance, it is immediately evident why this canyon and the surrounding area were designated as a National Park. The towering sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red contrast beautifully with the brilliant blue sky. Wilderness can be found in its narrow slot canyons. Zion National Park’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures. Zion National Park is one of the most highly visited National Parks, attracting over 4 million visitors a year.

Zion National Park is dedicated to a more inclusive, equitable, safe, and productive work environment. The Volunteer Program at Zion National Park hosts a roster of 140-150 recurring position volunteers that do everything from monitoring our California Condor population, to picking up litter, to working in the greenhouse. Our volunteer workforce is made of mostly retirees who serve 5 or more years.

Springdale, UT is a gateway town for Zion National Park and the town community is heavily involved in volunteering. The Park Volunteer Office and the town are partners in a bike safety program where we share volunteers to support the town and the Park. Many of our most active recurring volunteers live in Springdale. However, we also have a significant number of volunteers that live in neighboring small towns and the larger city in the region, St. George. These volunteers drive 30-60 minutes one way to volunteer in the park on a regular basis.

Position Responsibilities:

· As part of the Volunteer Office, the CVA will work to support, enhance, and grow the Volunteers-In-Parks Program at Zion National Park.

· The CVA will expand and leverage relationships with community partners, universities, and businesses.

· Through training and support, the CVA will be empowered to act independently in planning, coordinating, and executing volunteer projects and service work.

· The CVA would serve as a lead in planning and hosting group events, such as alternative Spring Break volunteer service groups from local universities.

· The CVA will assist in Zion National Park efforts to encourage volunteer participation from traditionally unserved and underrepresented groups.

· The CVA will assist with Volunteer Program recruitment efforts in person and online via emails, social media, and volunteer.gov.

· The CVA will be a part of job and safety training for recurring and one-time volunteers doing new tasks, such as removing graffiti, roving trails, and planting native plants within Zion National Park.

· The CVA will take an active role in fostering their own professional growth and development by participating in instructional courses, online trainings, and shadowing opportunities with the large number of staff at Zion National Park.

CVA Minimum Requirements:

· Education: No higher education is required, but a bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.

· Personality: This position requires a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, an ability to positively interact with volunteers and the visiting public, and a dedication to the safety, health, and wellness of the volunteers in the Volunteers-In-Parks program.

· Driving: Must have a valid driver's license. A personal vehicle is not required but is preferred due to the remoteness of various regions of Zion National Park.

· Participate in the CVA National Early Service Training in late November 2024 (date TBD)

· Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

· Be 18-30 years old at time of service (veterans up to 35 years old)

· High School Diploma/GED

· Pass fingerprint-based FBI, state criminal, and a national sex offender checks.

· Be able to provide proof of a driver’s license and complete a MVR check

• Must be over 21 years old or have had license for at least 3 years to be insured in this position

Preferred Qualifications:

· Local applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

· Public speaking skills

· Effective communication skills

· Experience interacting with the general public

· Previous personal volunteering experience or professional experience working with volunteers

Additional Information:

· The schedule of the CVA will include consistent weekend work (Saturdays) and occasional evening work.

· The position is relatively remote; driver's license is required. A personal vehicle is not required but is highly recommended.

· Housing is provided at no cost to the CVA. The housing is in a dormitory building within Zion National Park. The rooms are private with shared bathrooms, indoor living area, large kitchen, and outdoor space. The dormitory is a less than 5-minute walk from the CVA's office space.

· Zion National Park hosts many other internship programs, and our CVA would be part of our larger intern community. In 2023, there were over 70 interns during the summer season working in all areas of Zion. There will be opportunities for group trainings, field trips, and camping trips.

· Zion National Park has close working relationships with Cedar Breaks National Monument (UT) and Pipe Spring National Monument (AZ). There may be opportunities to collaborate with these nearby National Park Service neighbors.

· Zion National Park is one of 5 National Parks in Utah. There is also Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks, all in southern Utah.

Benefits:

· $600/week living stipend.

· $150/week in housing allowance, if housing is not provided.

· Limited health care/childcare benefits

· The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,895.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program

· $1,200 in professional development funds for training, networking, conferences, and/or travel.

· Networking opportunities within the National Park Service and partnering organizations

· Public Land Corps Hiring Authority

· Week-long in-person training at NPS site with travel/meal expenses covered.

How to Apply Please visit Community Volunteer Ambassador (cvainternships.org) to review “Member Positions” by region and find instructions on how to apply.

The CVA position will start on Monday, September 9, 2024, and run for 48 weeks until Friday, August 8, 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants will need to apply here: https://form.jotform.com/StewardsIPP/cva-application-fall-2024. Application form requires a resume, cover letter, professional references.

Please ensure your cover letter addresses how your experience aligns with the CVA program, your experience working with diverse populations, and position details for this park/position. You may submit one application for multiple positions by selecting all sites you are interested in.

Applications Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First review will occur in early June. Final deadline is Sunday, July 7, 2024.

For Application Questions:

Please contact James Gasaway, Program Director at jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

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