Visitor and Resource Protection Members- Everglades National Park

Position Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Visitor and Resource Protection Member to contribute to visitor safety and resource protection efforts alongside National Park staff.

Start Date:

Late May/Early June 2026 (or, as soon as possible)

Estimated End Date: 43 weeks after start date

• a 43-week minimum commitment is required

Local candidates encouraged to apply

Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL

Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States with more than 1.5 million acres of sawgrass prairies, pine rocklands, hardwood forest, and an extensive mangrove estuary leading to Florida Bay and the Gulf of America. The park is home to many threatened and endangered species including the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and the West Indian manatee.

The park also provides drinking water to millions of South Florida residents. The northern section of the park is accessible via Miami or Everglades City, while the southern section is accessible through Homestead.

This position will provide a member the opportunity to gain experience in public safety outreach, visitor services, and cross‑training with other National Park Service divisions. By the end of the internship, members will be able to provide a wide array of visitor services. Members have the opportunity to obtain certification to operate park watercraft as well as a basic first aid/CPR certification.

The members will be adept at engaging a range of different groups and people and will offer a variety of opportunities for people to make meaningful connections to park resources and participate in park experiences.

• Serve as a proactive presence in high‑use areas (Trailheads, campsites, waterways) to engage visitors before emergencies occur.
• Provide trip planning guidance, weather updates, and hazard information (e.g., wildlife, heat, dehydration, navigation).
• Encourage responsible recreation through one‑on‑one visitor interactions in the field.
• Monitor visitor use areas for safety concerns, resource impacts, and changing environmental conditions.
• Develop and deliver visitor safety messaging through printed materials, social media, interpretive signage, and roving contacts.
• Incorporate Leave No Trace, environmental stewardship, and safe recreation principles into all visitor interactions.
• Participate in outreach events, youth engagement programs, and community safety initiatives.
• Support interpretive programming by integrating safety and awareness themes into talks, walks, and informal interpretation.
• Staff visitor centers, entrance stations, and information desks with a focus on safety, trip planning, and accurate park information.
• Maintain detailed records of visitor interactions and assist with incident tracking and safety reporting.
• Follow park Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and uphold professional standards in public service and resource protection.
• Collaborate with multiple park divisions (Interpretation, Resource Protection, Trails) to support unified visitor experience goals.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of safety materials based on field observations and visitor feedback.

Member Conduct at Visitor Centers

• Maintain professional demeanor and avoid personal conversations, non‑work activities, or personal electronic use while assigned to the visitor center desk.
• Maintain awareness of customer load and process visitor inquiries in a timely manner.
• Use low‑visitation periods productively by cleaning exhibits, stocking supplies, or completing other projects.
• Use objective, neutral language when discussing concessions, private businesses, or political issues; avoid personal opinions.
• Maintain up‑to‑date safety information and integrate relevant messages into trip planning contacts.
• Follow daily schedule and assignments with minimal deviation; anticipate and communicate potential scheduling issues.
• Balance visitor needs, especially during busy times.
• Report issues to supervisors promptly and resolve operational, equipment, or facility issues to…