Tribal Youth Intern/Oral Historian

Description

 In cooperation with the National Park Service Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Tribal Youth Intern. Joshua Tree National Park has identified a need to provide multiple voices into its management and visitor programs. This project is intended to integrate multiple disciplines and park themes such as Native American traditional culture, homesteading, natural resource, and popular culture, by combining the stories associated with the individual museum objects from both a global and personal perspective. The Tribal Youth Intern will work closely with park professional in the development of research content for park staff in developing public programs utilizing information tribal members feel the public should know about their cultural history, and expand the park’s ability to share an accurate enriched narrative. Orientation and safety trainings will be presented throughout the year.

Duties:
The Research Associate, in collaboration with Joshua Tree National Park staff, will be involved in all aspects of researching, developing, and presenting educational materials for visitor education programs focusing on the following duties:
o Conduct original ethnographic research using archives and conducting oral history interviews with tribal elders and traditional practitioners in the field;
o Work with park museum curator and interpretive staff to develop interpretive content based on the research;
o Work with interpretive staff to develop and present public programs based on NPS interpretive standards and methods;
o Collaborate with park museum curator and interpretive staff to design web page content for the park’s web page and social media outlets; and
o Assist with other interpretive and museum projects (oral history, visitor services, and topical research).

Compensation:  
o $18.50/hour

Timeline: 
o 6 month position beginning as soon as the right candidate is identified. Start date determined once federal background check is complete.   Possibility of extension pending positive performance review and funding availability.
o Part time, 10-30 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings

Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Qualifications:
o Master’s degree or PhD in anthropology, history, Native American studies, Indigenous studies, or related discipline;
o Or currently enrolled is a similar program;
o Previous experience conducting oral histories, desired;
o Experience working with or in Native American communities;
o Basic skills/knowledge of the processes required for gathering oral history;
o Strong research skills, particularly from primary resources;
o Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
o Enthusiasm to teach about Native American cultural sensitivity and topics;
o Experience with interpretation, visitor services, and presenting programs to the public;
o Familiarity with web page design and social media outlets, preferred;
o Possess good organization skills with the ability to balance concurrent tasks;
o Ability to operate basic computer equipment, including scanners, and Microsoft Office programs, including Access;
o Flexibility and capability to meet the demands of rapidly changing plans and schedules; and
o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record with experience safely operating 4WD trucks on and off paved roads, including narrow and steep forest roads, and conducting routine vehicle maintenance.
o Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to BLM human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.

Local candidates or tribe members with established tribal connections will be strongly considered.

How to Apply:
Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=CODE&req=2016-RAP-046

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.