Community Volunteer Ambassador (Alcatraz Island/National Park Service)

Community Volunteer Ambassador - Alcatraz Island (Golden Gate National Recreation Area) 

Location: San Francisco Bay, CA 

Contact: Oliver Goodman | oliver_goodman@nps.gov

Program Details: 

Stewards Individual Placements 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 local communities.

Community Volunteer Ambassadors (CVAs) support Volunteer-in-Parks programs at National Park Service sites nationwide. This ranges from National Park, National Monuments, National Battlefields, National Historic Sites, National Recreation Areas, and more. The Community Volunteer Ambassador Program was developed to support NPS sites in connecting with their local communities through service and to provide young adults with a professional development opportunity within the National Park Service. CVAs provide capacity for NPS sites to establish community partnerships, develop new volunteer opportunities, and build volunteer program resources.

Site Information 

Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum-security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. 

Alcatraz island hosts many volunteers ranging from long-term interpretation volunteers, bird education volunteers, garden volunteers, and episodic groups such as the Living History Day volunteers, national service events, and sunrise ceremonies.

Position Summary 

The Community Volunteer Ambassador position on Alcatraz Island and their supervisor(s) will work in close collaboration daily, virtually and in person. Together we will enhance their work plan, assign projects and create their weekly schedule. We strive to foster a supportive environment of open communication and collaboration, where creativity, personal growth, and development of new ideas is encouraged. The CVA will have adequate space and creative time to develop and complete projects, as well as collaborate with other programs and fellow interns. They will work alongside their supervisors, other NPS staff, park partners, interns, and volunteers in the field helping to facilitate the volunteer programs for the Island. The intern will support all aspects of the volunteer programming including recruitment, retention, recognition, reporting and training of volunteers. The intern will support existing programming as well as develop new volunteer programming. Expand outreach and volunteer opportunities to reach new audiences. Support work to diversify the volunteer workforce of Alcatraz Island. They will help work on replying to volunteer inquiries, onboarding volunteers with the proper service agreements and paperwork, and helping facilitate onsite orientation to new volunteers and interns throughout their time.

Position Responsibilities: 

• Supporting NPS and partner VIP (Volunteer In Parks) Coordinators, outreach staff, fellow CVAs, and Interns to schedule volunteer programs and logistics, draft and implement outreach plans, facilitate national service day events, and coordinate cooperative projects with other programs. 
• The CVA will assist with recruitment coordination and host volunteer groups on projects that support many partners and divisions on the island. 
• The CVA will be working with garden managers, bird biologists, outreach rangers, interpretation staff, fellow interns on the island (Concrete Preservation Institute and Natural Resources), as well as other volunteers. 
• Supporting interpretation, natural resource, and partner staff to provide volunteer support, seek professional development, identify and coordinate service projects, schedule interpretive tours, educational opportunities to enhance volunteer programs, and evaluating support systems for volunteer programs on Alcatraz Island. 
• The CVA will also provide digital media support through the parkwide volunteer program to enhance the presence of volunteerism on the park's social media platforms. 
• Other duties as assigned based on CVA interests and the needs of the site 

Benefits: 

• CVA will receive a weekly stipend of $500 (additional $65/week, if housing is not provided) 
• Limited health care/childcare benefits 
• The position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,495.00 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of the program 
• Professional development funds 
• 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. 

The CVA position will start on Monday, February 6th, 2023, and run for 50 weeks until Friday, January 19th, 2024. 

How to apply:

Applicants will need to apply here.

The application form requires a resume, cover letter, and 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.

Please submit your application by Friday, December 9th to ensure full consideration.

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.