Wind Cave National park has one student internship position available for the winter/spring of 2004-2005 for a park guide-interpretation position. The internship lasts from approximately December/January until April/May (dates can be somewhat flexible). Application deadline is November 5, 2004.

The duties include a full range of interpretive programs and activities. Interns will be responsible for researching, developing and presenting thematic cave tours; staffing the visitor center information desk; offering information and orientation service in informal settings such as wayside pullouts and outdoor terraces; and assisting with special projects.

Applicants should possess two years of college in natural or physical sciences, communications, natural science interpretation, resource management, or park/recreation management. Interns must be interested in and able to meet and communicate with groups of people. Experience in interpretation, public speaking, environmental education, or caves would be helpful, but is not required. Personal transportation is desirable, but not essential.

In return for their services to the National Park Service, interns will receive rent-free housing, a uniform, participation in interpretive training, and a stipend of $75.00 per week for the assignment. College credit may be available by making arrangements with your college advisor following selection for the program. Upon completion of the program, interns will receive the equivalent of four months experience working with the National Park Service, which could be of benefit when applying for a paid position in the future.

Wind Cave National Park is located in southwest South Dakota in Custer County. It is sixty miles south of Rapid City of six miles north of the town of Hot Springs. Wind Cave National Park preserves and protects a complex, three-dimensional maze cave system containing rare formations in its over 113.05 miles of surveyed cave, and 28,295 acres of mixed grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest containing representative animal and plant species.

Housing is available and consists of a shared, furnished apartment or trailer with kitchens and baths. Interns will need to bring bedding and an assortment of kitchen and bath items.

Applications will be by sending a resume and a college transcript to Phyllis Cremonini, Assistant Chief of Interpretation, Wind Cave National Park, RR 1 Box 190, Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747. For additional information about the park visit our website at www.nps.gov/wica. For additional information about internships contact Phyllis Cremonini at (605) 745-1131 or phyllis cremonini@nps.gov.