Description:
The Interpretation/Education and Visitor Services Intern is a developmental position and an integral member of the interpretation and education team at Golden Spike National Historical Park. This role provides front-line support to visitors while assisting with educational and interpretive programs that connect the public to the park’s natural, cultural, and historical resources.
Golden Spike commemorates the completion of the nation’s first Transcontinental Railroad and explores the many stories behind this engineering achievement and its transformational impact on the United States and its people.
This position blends visitor contact, customer service, and informal education, offering hands-on experience in interpretation, public engagement, and communications within a federal land management setting. Interns will gain exposure to multiple park operations while receiving training, mentorship, and coaching in interpretive programming and public speaking.
Responsibilities:
- Greet and assist visitors in person, by phone, and through email inquiries.
- Provide accurate information about park resources, recreation opportunities, safety, regulations, and surrounding areas.
- Staff visitor centers, exhibits, information desks, make announcements and attended interpretive stations.
- Develop, practice, and present interpretive talks, tours, demonstrations, and audience-centered experiences.
- Assist with and deliver established ranger-led programs, including locomotive demonstrations and Junior Ranger activities.
- Support educational and interpretive programs or special events.
- Participate in special events, such as living history programs (may include period costume), Pioneer Day, and night sky programs.
- Research natural, cultural, and historical topics for use in interpretive programs and materials.
- Support the development and distribution of brochures, maps, displays, and outreach content.
- Collect and record visitor use data, statistics, passes, and fee-related information as assigned.
- Promote safety, resource protection, and Leave No Trace principles in all interactions.
Golden Spike provides a unique setting about 80 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City and roughly 50 miles from the lively college towns of Logan and Ogden. The area boasts easy access to recreational activities, with Forest Service lands in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains nearby for outdoor adventures and exploration. Additionally, it’s within driving distance—approximately 4.5 hours—from famous national parks like Grand Teton, Arches, Canyonlands, and Yellowstone, making it an excellent summer destination.
Located at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet in the Promontory mountains, the summer climate features warm and dry days with temperatures typically reaching the mid-90s.
Park housing is not available at this time. However, accommodations can be found in surrounding towns such as Brigham City (26 miles), Tremonton (21 miles), Ogden (50 miles), and Logan (50 miles).
Qualifications:
- Must be age 18+
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must have a valid driver’s license
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Incoming, current, or recent SUU student preferred
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Strong communication, public speaking, and writing skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Interest in education, interpretation, natural resources, history, or public service.
- Ability to research, organize, and present information in engaging and creative ways.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Basic computer and office skills; experience with social media or design tools is a plus.
- Interest in or ability to learn regional history, Indigenous cultures, natural resources, and recreation opportunities.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in education, communications, history, or natural/cultural resource fields preferred.