Individual Placement - Visitor Services Participant

Service Position Summary

Position Title: Kealia Visitor Services
- Ameri Corps National Direct

The Visitor Services placement supports both Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and The Friends of Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in delivering public engagement, expanding community relationships, and providing high quality environmental education. This role strengthens the connection between the public and the refuge’s mission to protect native wildlife and wetland ecosystems. The position is ideal for someone passionate about conservation, community outreach, communication, and interpretation.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands‑on conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

This position is part of SCA’s National Direct Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). OYSI is a partnership between SCA, Ameri Corps, and The Corps Network which engages youth ages 18–24 who are disconnected from school or work in hands‑on conservation service that protect and restore public lands, waters, and recreation resources nationwide. The program provides job‑skills training, support, and career pathways in environmental stewardship and infrastructure fields, while prioritizing placements for participants who meet opportunity‑youth eligibility criteria

Members will make a meaningful, hands‑on contribution in developing interpretive products, assist with visitor center operations, and assisting in discovering visitor needs by listening to visitor concerns and questions and by observing visitor behavior and patterns. In addition, the individual(s) would help the refuge keep its programs open and accessible to visitors.

Along the way, members gain practical field experience, develop knowledge and skills in interpretive theory, public presentation skills, interpretive writing, customer service, and park operations. This experience builds a strong foundation for careers in interpretation, science and monitoring, and park operations.

September 7, 2026 – July 9, 2027

40 hours/week

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Some nights and weekends may be required during training and for special activities.

A minimum 30‑minute lunch break is required each service day. Lunch periods do not count toward the required minimum service hours.

Kealia Pon National Wildlife Refuge, Kihei, HI

Allyssa Morris, Visitor Services Program Manager

1700 hours

• Provide interpretive, orientation and safety information at the visitor center
• Design, develop, and present interpretive programs
• Greeting visitors and responding to a variety of in‑person, telephone and electronic inquiries regarding preserve information and activities.
• Responsible for daily operations such as opening and closing of office, restocking brochures, arranging informational interpretive displays in the reception area of visitor centers, etc.

The position functions will comply with all Ameri Corps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA Ameri Corps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook.

• Serve alongside refuge staff to support ongoing conservation projects.
• Weekend or evening shifts may be required to support visitor center hours and special events.

• Strong interest in conservation, interpretation, natural resource management, environmental education, or public service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to serve independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn about Hawaiian ecosystems, cultural context, and refuge operations.
• Ability to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Ameri Corps Eligibility Requirements:

• Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
• Being at least 18 years or older;
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working…