Student Volunteer - Mount Locust Self-Guided Walking Tour Developer

Summary

Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience and valuable career-ready skills. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration aligning with each agency's strategic priorities.

Duties

Location: Natchez Trace Parkway Mount Locust Information Center, 5182 Natchez Trace Parkway Natchez, Mississippi 39120 Work Schedule and Flexibilities: 8-20 hours per week, part-time. Hybrid (In office + telework eligible) Number of Positions: 1 Term: Spring 2027 (90 day term between mid-January and mid-June) This vacancy will be open until Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11:59pm ET or until 30 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The student will develop a self-guided walking tour for Mount Locust Inn and Plantation using existing historical research and interpretive materials. Duties include identifying and organizing tour stops that represent two major eras: travel along the Natchez Trace and daily life at Mount Locust in the 1820s, and drafting clear, engaging interpretive text for public audiences. The student will collect and select supporting photographs and images ensuring all media aligns with NPS interpretive standards, and prepare finalized content for use within the National Park Service mobile app. The resulting digital tour will enhance on-site visitor understanding of Mount Locust's significance, deepen connections with the broader history of Natchez, Mississippi, and encourage exploration of related cultural sites throughout the region. This work supports expanded digital interpretation, improved visitor engagement, and the park's goals for modernized storytelling. The government-wide "Semester of Service" Student Volunteer Program, as authorized under 5 U.S.C §31114 and 5 CFR Part 3085, enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project-based assignments of limited duration. These assignments are designed to align with each agency's strategic priorities, offering participants practical experience within Federal operations while supporting the advancement of targeted initiatives.

Qualifications

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Preferred coursework in History, Public History, Interpretation, Education, American Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, and/or Communications. Preferred skills: strong writing, storytelling, research, communication, and organizational skills. Awareness of plain-language principles and digital accessibility.

Education

To qualify, you must be enrolled not less than half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution. You also must be in good academic standing as defined by your institution. Attach a copy of your transcripts to your application package for verification.