Visitor Experience and Community Engagement Internship ONSITE Lowell National Historical Park

Latino Heritage Internship Program

The Latino Heritage Internship Program seeks to engage young professionals in natural resource careers. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Be between 18 and 30 years old, or up to 35 if a veteran
• Be willing to undergo a background check upon hiring
• Have a valid drivers license and a good driving record

Note: A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.

Position Description

Lowell National Historical Park seeks to deepen its commitment to collaboration by working closely with Latino-serving organizations and community members. The intern will help build these relationships by partnering with groups such as the Coalition for a Better Acre, the Latino Center for Community Empowerment, and the International Institute of New England.

Through participation in cultural events, creation of a community contact database, and development of co-created programs, the intern will help uncover and highlight stories important to Lowells Latino communities. These stories will be presented through Spanish-language content, walking tours, digital exhibits, and community-based activities.

The role also includes supporting bilingual interpretation and program development across the parks existing offerings. The intern may:

• Present established tours in Spanish (if possible- not required)
• Incorporate Spanish components into ongoing programs such as Wellness on the Walkways or Riverboat Tours
• Create digital media and publications that connect park themes to Latino audiences

Additional responsibilities include contributing to the weave-room exhibit by sharing the history of Colombian weavers in Lowell and integrating their narratives into the permanent collection. Community engagement and youth outreach are core components of the internship. As a member of the special events team, the intern will:

• Participate in cultural festivals, local flag-raising ceremonies, and youth activities such as the Lowell Summer Music Series Kids Concerts
• Help run summer Art Pop-Up programs with the local library
• Provide Spanish-language outreach materials
• Collaborate with partners to strengthen ties between Latino families and the park

Through these activities, the intern will support meaningful community connections and help expand access to the parks resources.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen partnerships with Latino-serving organizations and community members
• Collaborate with community partners to co-create programs reflecting Latino histories and experiences in Lowell
• Develop and deliver Spanish-language and bilingual interpretive content, including walking tours, programs, and digital exhibits
• Support bilingual interpretation across existing park programs (e.g., tours, wellness programs, riverboat tours)
• Create Spanish-language outreach materials, publications, and digital media connecting park themes to Latino audiences
• Research and integrate Latino histories into park exhibits, including contributing content to the weave-room exhibit
• Assist with community engagement and youth outreach through cultural festivals, special events, and family-focused programs
• Participate in special events and public programs, including art pop-ups, concerts, and cultural celebrations
• Maintain a community contact database to support ongoing outreach and collaboration
• Support efforts to expand access to park resources and foster meaningful, long-term community connections

Qualifications

• Relevant fields of study: Public History, Museum Studies, Interpretation or Environmental Education, Parks and Recreation Management, Sociology or Anthropology, Ethnic Studies, Latino American Studies, Communications, Public Relations, Media Studies, Education, or related disciplines
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish; other languages are a plus
• Ability to provide basic customer service, including standing, greeting, and working with volunteers, children, and park staff
• Ability to withstand long periods of sitting, standing, and walking in indoor and outdoor conditions
• Basic computer skills and ability to operate audio-visual equipment
• Ability to navigate social media platforms
• Availability to work 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and evenings
• Ability to collaborate with partner organizations and community members
• Public speaking skills, outgoing personality, flexibility, creativity, and enjoyment of working with new people and as part of a team
• Experience or interest in community outreach and relationship-building, particularly with Latino communities
• Ability to work with park staff and community partners to support interpretive and educational goals

Learning Goals

• Develop technical and creative skills for designing meaningful programs that connect park resources with the community
• Learn to assess community needs and align them with park strategic goals and projects
• Gain experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, conducting and participating in professional meetings, and building consensus
• Build skills in resource interpretation, including formal and informal talks, learning park resources, and connecting them to audiences of all ages
• Develop leadership skills through observation, training, and close mentorship

About the Site

Lowell National Historical Park is located in Lowell, MA, a city of about 114,000 people. Approximately 18% of the citys population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Some communities, such as Colombian and Puerto Rican, have been established since the mid-20th century, while others, including people from Guatemala and El Salvador, are newer arrivals shaping the citys cultural landscape.

Grocery stores and shopping facilities are accessible in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. Public transit is available via a local bus system. Summers are warm, averaging 8090F. The park includes historic sites, museums, and a visitor center, along with walkways, trails, and outdoor venues for programming. The park operates canal and river boats, as well as a historic replica trolley. Office spaces include common workspaces, cubicles, and conference rooms.

Interns in this program will receive 480 hours toward Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority.

Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority (PLC)The Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority is a special hiring authority available to qualifying interns. The intern must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or a veteran up to age 35 and complete 640 hours of work on an appropriate conservation project to be eligible for this hiring authority. Upon successful completion of the PLC project(s), the intern is eligible for two years to be hired non-competitively into a federal seasonal, term, or permanent position. The applicant must apply to a PLC-eligible position advertised on USAJobs.gov and selected off a non-competitive certificate of eligibility. For more information, see DOI Personnel Bulletins 11-02, 12-13, and 17-03.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employmentand prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.