Individual Placement - Visitor Services Participant

Service Position Summary  

Position Title: Kealia Visitor Services- AmeriCorps National Direct

Position Summary  

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, AmeriCorps, 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 

Member Impact 

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. 

Schedule  

September 7, 2026 – July 9, 2027

Hours 

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.  

Service Location 

Kealia Pon National Wildlife Refuge, Kihei, HI

Immediate Supervisor/Title 

Allyssa Morris, Visitor Services Program Manager

AmeriCorps Service Term Minimum Hours Requirement 

1700 hours

Essential Functions 

• 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 AmeriCorps Prohibited Activity restrictions specified in the SCA AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement and SCA Corps Member Handbook. 

Marginal Functions  

·        Serve alongside refuge staff to support ongoing conservation projects.

·        Weekend or evening shifts may be required to support visitor center hours and special events.

Required Qualifications  

·        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.

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:  

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps 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 to complete;  

· Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check after acceptance of position, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks. 

Preferred Qualifications  

·        Interest in pursuing a career in interpretation, conservation or a related field is preferred.  

·        Basic computer skills; experience with social media, website or graphic design is a plus.

Commitment Required 

The program’s term of service is a 44-week (1700 hours) commitment that will last September 7, 2026 – July 9, 2027. 

Members will serve 40 hours per week.  

Living Accommodations  

Private bedroom in trailer with shared kitchen and living space.

Personal Vehicle Requirement 

 Not required; Recommended for days off

Compensation  

• Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $630/week 
• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member term of service: $7,395.00 
• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.  
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps 
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans 

Training and Additional Benefits  

• Training will not exceed 20% of total service hours 
• AmeriCorps and SCA Orientation 
• SCA Risk Management 
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace 
• Professional Development & Job Readiness 

Service Conditions 

Service settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying cultures and perspectives.; Natural environments and culturally significant locations that require respect to the land and indigenous peoples.; Inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, and lightning events; Decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.; Warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.; Cold temperatures and adverse winter weather which could include temperatures in some regions -20°F or colder with wind, snow, and sleet.; Exposure to natural and environmental hazards such as, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, tick and mosquito -borne illness, snakes, and potential for other wildlife encounters.; Exposure and potential contact to bear habitat and wildlife. 

Equal Opportunity Statement  

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.