SkillBridge Visitor Services Intern

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Position Duties: The DOD Skillbridge program allows Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of their service. For more information on the DOD Skillbridge program, visit DOD SkillBridge (osd.mil).

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (ABLI) seeks a Skillbridge intern to work with the Visitor Services team. The SkillBridge intern will have a chance to learn and gain experience and knowledge, skills and abilities associated with working at a national park. Duties will include staffing the visitor center information desk, ensuring quality customer service, providing information to visitors, answering phone calls, operating a cash register, and assisting park rangers and staff during tours, programs and events. Additional duties may include supporting operations in either of the park’s two units at the Birthplace Visitor Center and the Knob Creek Visitor Center, which include museum and educational exhibits, theater and bookstore/souvenir shop.

As a uniformed volunteer with the National Park Service, the volunteer serves as a front-line representative of the agency working at the park visitor center (either at the birthplace unit or Knob Creek unit) and the Memorial Building. The volunteer will greet park visitors, provide information about the park, orientation, directions, park programs, events, and activities to do. They will provide information about the visitor center and exhibit area and start the park film. Additionally, the volunteer will provide accurate information on the park history as well as the early years and life of Abraham Lincoln. Duties may also include stocking brochure displays, answering inquiries, operating office equipment, recording visitor statistics, opening/closing of building, and operating a cash register for the park store. Additional training will be provided if the volunteer wishes to give formal interpretive/educational programs to the public.

Requirements: Volunteers are required to wear the provided volunteer uniform and badge and represent the National Park Service by acting in a courteous and professional manner with visitors, park staff and other volunteers. Candidates must possess good communication and interpersonal skills. An interest in American History and the life of Abraham Lincoln is preferred but is not mandatory. The ability to learn about the park resources and share this information with park visitors a must.

Work Environment: Volunteers will primarily work inside at a visitor center front desk or a memorial building front desk as well as in an office environment. Occasional assistance outdoors may be required from time to time. Most park programs are given to the public outdoors.

Physical Demands: Ability to stand occasionally for periods of time and possible light lifting of brochure boxes or other supplies.

Training: The supervisor will provide an orientation to the site, its mission, and its staff. The volunteer will get on-the-job training in park operations, workplace safety and the story of Abraham Lincoln in Kentucky.

Housing: Park Housing may be available.

Please note the park is flexible on hours/days that a volunteer can work at the park.

Start Date - 2024-06-03

End Date - 2025-06-01

Activities include: Conservation Education;General Assistance;Tour Guide/Interpretation;Visitor Information