John Day Fossil Beds – Interpretive Ranger Individual Placement

Northwest Youth Corps 640 Hour

Individual Placement

National Park Service

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Kimberly Oregon 16 Weeks

Title: Interpretive Ranger Individual Placement (640 Hours)

Position Summary:

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is recruiting 1 (one) Interpretation and Education Individual Placements beginning in May/June 2026 and serving through September/October 2026 (16 weeks). The individual placements will be trained in interpretation skills and will work at the visitor center answering visitors questions about the parks geology and paleontology. The individual placements will also help guests plan their visits to the three site units and encourage safe discoveries and experiences during their stay. Other duties will be roving to the other park sights to answer questions in the field assisting with bookstore operations and general upkeep of the facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Visitor Center Operations (65%)
  • Duties include general orientation and information for visitors assisting with the Junior Ranger program as well as providing interpretive pop-up/patio talks

Roving/Outreach (20%)

• Duties include on-site and virtual programming

Classroom and Training (15%)

Required Qualifications:

• Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
• U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Must pass a background/driver check
• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings during high temperatures wind and on uneven
• Willingness to work as part of a positive and collaborative
• Public speaking skills high quality customer service skills and IT
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25
• Current valid drivers license and clean driving
• A passion for sharing the park and its resources with the public

Desired Qualification:

• Experience in presenting informational or educational talks to the public.
• Experience teaching and/or leading youth conservation reforestation and/or outdoor rec skills.
• Ability to absorb and apply a great deal of information quickly and accurately

Duty Location:

Duties are performed within John Day Fossil Beds National Monuments three units located near Kimberly Fossil and Mitchell OR. The main duty station is at the visitor center in the Sheep Rock Unit located near Kimberly OR 97848.

Terms of Employment:

One individual placement will complete a term of service (16 weeks 640 Hours) starting May/June 2026 through October/September 2026 for a total of 16 Weeks. The individual placement will average ## hours of labor per week minus holidays.

Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food. Housing may be provided.

Program Benefits:

Individual placements will earn $9600 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the (16 weeks 640 Hours). The living allowance are taxable.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.

Type of position: Individual Placement

Service Dates: May/June 2026 October/September 2026

Length of Term: 16 Weeks (640 Hours)

How to apply:

Please submit a cover letter resume and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at

Please select John Day Fossil Beds Interpretive Ranger Individual Placement when applying.

Additional Information

If you have questions about the position please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at or or Katheryn Sommer Acting Chief of Interpretation & Education: or x1237.

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).