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.

Additional requirements

Conditions of employment To participate in this Program, you must:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S National studying in the U.S. or abroad
• 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 (beyond high school) throughout the 90 day Semester of Service opportunity.
• Students graduating before May 1, 2027 are not eligible.
• Selectees will be responsible for contacting a school official to sign a Semester of Service approval form indicating you are currently enrolled at least half-time and in good academic standing.
• Qualifying educational institutions must be located within the United States.
• Be in good academic standing as defined by your institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8 - 20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and your academic institution.
• Agree to volunteer. This position is unpaid. No compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted from this work.
• You may use this volunteer experience to qualify for future jobs you choose to apply for.
• Agree to understanding volunteers are not Federal employees.
• Not be a current federal employee. Current federal employees can reach out to the contact below to inquire about job detail opportunities.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the 10/29/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online assessment which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online assessment, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You can view the assessment here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13086202 To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52879898157843-How-to-see-your-application-and-job-status/. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations should be sent to the vacancy contact listed below.