POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Science Communication Assistant
Park Unit: Cape Cod National Seashore
Location: Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks (not flexible)
Start Date: 10/28/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $565.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS: Under 75 (This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The participant will work as part of an interdisciplinary team composed of staff from both the Natural Resource Management and Science (NRMS) Division as well as the Interpretation, Education, and Cultural Resources Management (IECRM) Division. The purpose of the position is to develop science communication and education products using a variety of media to convey information and serve as an educational tool for a range of audiences. Cape Cod National Seashore is host to the Atlantic Research Learning Center (ARLC), one of 17 Research Learning Centers (RLCs) in the National Park Service. The mission of the RLCs is to promote collaboration, research, stewardship, education, and science communication. The ARLC is managed by NRMS staff but leverages internal partnerships with other park divisions as well as external partnerships with academic or non-profit institutions to achieve its mission. The park also employs an education coordinator who works closely with local schools to support curriculum that incorporates aspects of science and resources from Cape Cod National Seashore. The park’s education coordinator typically engages with school programs from kindergarten to 12th grade. While the ARLC also engages with these groups the focus of the learning center is college and post graduate students and researchers. This intern will play a key role in fulfilling the mission of the Atlantic Research Learning Center by serving as one of the primary communicators of science information at the park. It will also help bolster the Parks as Classrooms program, and our public education programming by distilling and packaging science and research products into media, lessons, print and digital materials, and programs to increase public, student, and visitor understanding. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve as a link between researchers/scientists and the public to communicate important topics and findings to an ever-growing audience of advocates.
POSITION IMPACT
Science communication and education is often identified as a primary need for parks and programs in the National Park Service. This SIP position addresses this need and will help a new education coordinator with reestablishing and defining a robust education program. The products the intern develops will have a direct positive impact on the public programs offered by staff and will directly influence public understanding of resources and issues, leading to increased stewardship and resource protection. Helping to build the citizen science program with providing volunteer opportunities will also help to create Cape Cod National Seashore advocates. Some of the topics that this position could impact most include saltmarsh restoration, shoreline change, harmful algal blooms, shark and seal research and endangered species management.
DELIVERABLES
The intern will develop 508 compliant or accessible science-based communication and education products geared towards students, park visitors, and park neighbors. Examples of potential products include:
- Updating and writing webpage content using the NPS Content Management System
- Resource-specific fact sheets and articles
- Science and cultural stories based on interviews with researchers and employees conducting work in the park in an audio, video, photo, and/or writing form
- Lessons based on park resources
- Videos and/or photographs documenting park resources
- Developing social media posts and products that tie back to Cape Cod National Seashore projects, website content, and NPS communication themes
- Help to develop the science communication efforts/foundation and programs at Cape Cod National Seashore by generating sustainable content creation
- Assist in coordinating a citizen science event or project
- Creating/updating ArcGIS StoryMaps and data dashboards
The intern will also be encouraged to explore new ways to communicate information on park resources to both internal and external audiences. The internship also is also flexible to the person selected for this position and their interests. Opportunities to build existing skills and gain new experiences are ever-present.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
The intern must be highly motivated and comfortable working independently as well as part of a larger team. The intern must also be willing to learn and try new things. The intern must have strong writing and communication skills. Experience in natural sciences, natural resource management, or conservation gained either through coursework or work experience is critical. Experience developing science communication products is preferred. The intern must be proficient in using Microsoft Word, and experience with digital publishing, photography, and video production is helpful, but not mandatory. Experience or skills with GIS is desired but not mandatory.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident (“Green Card holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required. The applicant must be available to participate for 26 Weeks in order to be considered and participate.
WORK SETTING
Cape Cod is a large peninsula extending 60 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from the coast of Massachusetts. Located on the outer portion of the Cape, Cape Cod National Seashore's 44,600 acres encompass a rich mosaic of marine, estuarine, fresh water, and terrestrial ecosystems. Winter weather brings storms, winds and freezing temperatures with little snow accumulation in the long term. Beaches, ponds and hiking trails abound. Supermarkets are in Provincetown (8 miles from the Lab) and Orleans (20 miles). Local amenities include many restaurants and small specialty markets. Nearest Mall stores are in Hyannis. This position will primarily be based in Truro, MA with the natural resource staff but time will also be spend working out of the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham and possibly the Headquarters building in Wellfleet.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant. CACO offers housing for interns within close proximity to a number of work sites including the North Atlantic Coastal Lab, Park Headquarters and Salt Pond Visitor Center. Housing varies but is usually a shared furnished house. A private bedroom may be available but is not guaranteed. Residents bring their own linens. Kitchens are furnished with basic supplies. If possible, housing will be within a few miles of our primary worksite. Houses shared with other interns or seasonal staff; however given the timing of this internship the intern may be the only occupant of a house. Residents are responsible for cleaning the residence. Trash and basic utility costs are covered by the park but services such as internet/cable/phone are not provided and would be the responsibility of the resident.
KEYWORDS
Cape Cod, CACO, Science Communication, Resource Management
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 75 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, 16 June, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per winter. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/