Job Description
Position Summary
Join a small team of dedicated National Park Service employees working to help visitors connect with the stories told at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. This individual will spend their time working directly with visitors at the visitor center and though formal programming, as well as working with youth and other specialty tour groups.
The duties are approximately 80% indoors and 20% outdoors. We are seeking an individual who is looking to grow their interpretive skillset, learn more about operations at a small national park site, and gain knowledge on a variety of topics including Ulysses S. Grant, 19th century farming and domestic life at the site, slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, and Civil Rights.
Dedicated interpretation training will be provided at the beginning of the summer, and the individual will be mentored to improve skills throughout the season, with the goal of learning to perform at the same standard expected of seasonal National Park Service employees.
Hosting Organization
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
Location
St. Louis, MO
Schedule
May 26, 2026 - October 2, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the interpretation individual will be providing frontline visitor services for a variety of audiences. At the visitor center, the individual will greet and orient visitors, answer questions, assist children with Junior Ranger program, and help with sales of items in the park store. The individual will research, develop, and present interpretive programs on a variety of topics such as: Ulysses S. Grant, 19th century farming and domestic life at the site, slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, and Civil Rights. They will develop an 8-10 minute introduction to the historic house, interpretive pop ups, and/or assisting with special group tours.
Additional duties will include assisting the park’s Historian/Curator on evaluating and updating museum collections and archival inventories, accessioning/deaccessioning items to/from the park collections, and assisting with temporary exhibit design and setup. Limited opportunity will also be provided to assist the park’s facility management program with cultural landscape and historic preservation operations.
Marginal Duties
The individual may also provide informal interpretation and assist with special events. There may be occasional opportunities to assist with organization of interpretive work spaces.
Required Qualifications
· Customer service experience.
· Willingness to speak in front of groups of people, including children.
· Ability to work with a team.
· Willingness to assist with cultural resource and facility management operations.
· The selectee will be required to pass a National Park Service background check.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
· The ability to conduct research and write at a college level
· Public speaking experience
· Knowledge of 19th century American History
· Desire to pursue a career with the National Park Service or other public land agency.
· Interest in learning and assisting with duties related to resource and facility management.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Park housing is not available for this position. A car is necessary for transportation to the park as public transportation is not available. The park is in suburban St. Louis County. It is easily accessed by car from many neighborhoods in the metro area.
Compensation
- Living Allowance: $650/week
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
- Required
Additional Benefits
- Interpretive Skills
- AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.