John Day Fossil Beds – Interpretive Ranger Individual Placement

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Northwest Youth Corps

Kimberly, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $9,600 per year

Start / End Dates: May/June 2026 through September/October 2026 (16 weeks)

Northwest Youth Corps – 640 Hour

Individual Placement

National Park Service

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Kimberly, Oregon – 16 Weeks

Title: Interpretive Ranger Individual Placement (640 Hours)

Position Summary:

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is recruiting 1 (one) Interpretation and Education Individual Placements beginning in May/June 2026 and serving through September/October 2026 (16 weeks). The individual placements will be trained in interpretation skills and will work at the visitor center answering visitors’ questions about the park’s geology and paleontology. The individual placements will also help guests plan their visits to the three site units and encourage safe discoveries and experiences during their stay. Other duties will be roving to the other park sights to answer questions in the field, assisting with bookstore operations, and general upkeep of the facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Visitor Center Operations (65%)
    • Duties include general orientation and information for visitors, assisting with the Junior Ranger program as well as providing interpretive pop-up/patio talks
  • Roving/Outreach (20%)
    • Duties include on-site and virtual programming
  • Classroom and Training (15%)

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

  • Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
  • U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
  • Must pass a background/driver check
  • Ability to work outdoors in remote settings during high temperatures, wind and on uneven
  • Willingness to work as part of a positive and collaborative
  • Public speaking skills, high quality customer service skills, and IT
  • Good written and verbal communication
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25
  • Current valid driver’s license and clean driving
  • A passion for sharing the park and its resources with the public

Desired Qualification:
  • Experience in presenting informational or educational talks to the public.
  • Experience teaching and/or leading youth, conservation, reforestation and/or outdoor rec skills.
  • Ability to absorb and apply a great deal of information quickly and accurately

Duty Location:
Duties are performed within John Day Fossil Beds National Monument’s three units located near Kimberly, Fossil, and Mitchell, OR. The main duty station is at the visitor center in the Sheep Rock Unit located near Kimberly, OR 97848.

Terms of Employment:
One individual placement will complete a term of service (16 weeks, 640 Hours), starting May/June 2026 through October/September 2026 for a total of 16 Weeks. The individual placement will average ## hours of labor per week, minus holidays.

Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food. Housing may be provided.

Program Benefits:
Individual placements will earn $9,600 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the (16 weeks, 640 Hours). The living allowance are taxable.

Application Instructions
  • Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
  • Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.
  • Type of position: Individual Placement
  • Service Dates: May/June 2026 – October/September 2026
  • Length of Term: 16 Weeks (640 Hours)

Additional Information
If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or or Katheryn Sommer, Acting Chief of Interpretation & Education: katheryn_sommer@nps.gov or (541) 987-2333 x1237.

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships

Please select “John Day Fossil Beds – Interpretive Ranger Individual Placement” when applying.

Housing: Contact for more information.

Contact:

Katheryn Sommer

(541) 987-2333 x1237

katheryn_sommer@nps.gov

Apply for This Position: https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobs/1278887

Application Closes: Open Until Filled

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