Research and Developer Intern

Company: Greening Youth Foundation
Location: Jackson
Posted on: January 24, 2023

Job Description:

Position Description



This position will assist the staff at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument (MEMY) in researching and developing activities for youth and young adults to engage in as they embark on the great American road trip to Evers-related sites in Mississippi. MEMY is a new NPS unit, and this interpretation and education project is critical to the success of park operations. Over the course of several weeks, the intern will research historic events involving Medgar and Myrlie Evers and other prominent foot soldiers who worked with them in their fight for freedom and justice. The outcome of this research will be developed into a "senior ranger" activity booklet that can be accessed virtually or at participating locations. The activities will stress public service and civic engagement.



Tasks

The intern will conduct primary and secondary source research in NPS archives, national archives, libraries, and online repositories. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, much of the research will be done onsite using online resources. However, some travel may be required to visit archives and libraries. After that, they will create an annotated bibliography highlighting research sources, and sources of additional information for the public. From this the intern will develop a narrative for each location on the activities. Length and depth will vary according to the site. To make the activities come alive, the intern will gather historic and contemporary photographs, gain permissions for use, and incorporate them into the final product. The intern will also assist the staff in creating a georeferenced map with locations, routes, and travel times between each site on the tour. Lastly, the intern will consolidate narratives, maps, and photographs into a digital and printed senior ranger activities booklet that will be available to the public.



Learning Goals

In creating a senior ranger activities booklet for youth and young adults about the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, this position will foster the intern's skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and community engagement. Indeed, the intern will identify opportunities for interpretation, think of ways to communicate complex historical content, and lead in the creation of new programs and resources. The intern will be empowered to research and analyze primary sources and secondary sources, perform outreach to identify new sources of information, collaborate with stake holders and consult with the community partners.



Qualifications:

Applicants need to be currently enrolled in a college or university working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. Majors can include but are not limited to History, Education, Environmental Sciences, Parks and Recreation, Social Sciences, Public History or Museum Studies. Skills include a thorough knowledge of interpretive principles, practices, techniques, and themes to convey, connect, and facilitate a wide variety of shared learning experiences with diverse audiences; ability to develop and present a wide variety of interpretive experiences to in-person and virtual audiences using fully-developed interpretive skills, techniques, and tools; and ability to design various types of interpretive experiences with purposeful focus and cohesion that address the strategic goals and objectives of park interpretation. Knowledge of the resources and history associated with this project (people of African descent, Indigenous peoples, etc). Ability to develop and/or present interpretive content that meets all appropriate standards, requirements, design principles, and laws (e.g., Section 508 and NPS Accessibility Standards). Ability to write coherent and concise reports, letters, and other materials in forms and formats appropriate for purposes of specific documents. Ability to effectively communicate orally with a variety of audiences in order to present ideas and information that increase understanding of NPS programs, policies, and objectives. Ability to utilize computer programs and applications (e.g., word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, and other software systems) for publishing content to websites and social media sites. Must be able to apply computer skills in the operation of various automated systems and databases. Ability to perform stakeholder outreach and collaborate with subject matter experts. Willingness to expand network, interact with a variety of audiences, and openness to new ideas.

Diversity and Inclusion:
The staff at Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument fully supports employee participation in training that aligns with service wide EEO and Diversity goals beyond the annual requirements (such as bystander awareness, conflict management, etc.). Park leadership and park staff foster a work environment that focuses on team building, mutual respect, and open communication. And, park leadership emphasize special programs, training opportunities and important information by highlighting and re-disseminating relevant messages to park staff that are provided by regional and service wide emails to ensure that everyone has full awareness of opportunities that exist. The staff at Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is excited by the opportunity to host a HBCU intern. This internship will be a key element in a multi-faceted approach to dedicate the park to values of inclusion and diversity. In addition to this internship, park staff is currently seeking professional development opportunities and grants to reflect these values in our interpretive services

Keywords: Greening Youth Foundation, Jackson , Research and Developer Intern, IT / Software / Systems , Jackson, Mississippi