Gateway Community & Partnerships Engagement Fellow – AmeriCorps

Overview

Position Title: Gateway Community & Partnerships Engagement Fellow – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: DOI Main Interior Building, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240

Terms of Service:

· Start Date: 10/05/26

· End Date: 10/01/27

· AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700-Hour Slot

This AmeriCorps position will assist the NPS PCE directorate with the development and sharing of tools, resources, communications, and training opportunities for NPS staff and partners, and

will engage in projects that build capacity, expand expertise, and enhance relationships between park units and nearby communities. The member in this role will work with national offices and Federal sister agencies to develop case studies, best practices, and tools for parks. This fellowship directly supports implementation of Secretary’s Order 3434 – Strengthening Coordination with Gateway Communities and Section 131 of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, and may include direct support to individual parks as well as contributions to additional national strategic priorities. Through this fellowship, the fellow will gain practical skills in partnerships and community engagement while creating a pathway toward future careers with the NPS and the Federal government.

Description of Duties:

The AmeriCorps position will work with senior staff to:

· Support the NPS in implementing Secretary’s Order 3434 and Section 131 of the EXPLORE Act by assisting with national assessments, reporting, and technical assistance that helps parks strengthen relationships with their gateway communities.

· Develop case studies, best practices, and practical tools and resources to help NPS park managers advance skills in partnership development, community outreach, stakeholder mapping, needs assessments, and partner engagement strategies.

· Contribute to projects that build capacity and expand expertise across park units and their surrounding communities, including identifying potential funding sources, trainings, resources, and other support opportunities for parks and partners.

· Assist with interagency coordination on gateway community engagement, including participation at interagency meetings, taking notes, and contributing to strategic planning efforts.

· Assist in identifying potential local partners, relevant non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and other Federal, state, or local entities that parks can collaborate with to improve visitor access to outdoor recreation opportunities in the park and local community.

· Aid in strategic planning and organizational support for a pilot cohort of gateway community interns stationed at national parks nationwide.

· Support additional national strategic priorities, including interagency outdoor recreation coordination and national partnership initiatives.

Tagged as: Conservation, Full Time

Qualifications:

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien

· Must be 20 years or older

· Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award

· All candidates should have demonstrable interest in public lands access and adaptive recreation, parks, outdoor recreation

Required Skills:

Ability to think critically and creatively

· Strong oral and written communications skills

· Ability to initiate and carry out independent research

· Strong literature review and analytical skills

· Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and develop strong partner networks

· Strong organizational skills

· Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure

· Comfortable working outdoors, on trails, and in the field; ability to lift and carry trail measuring equipment