Community Outreach and Interpretation Internship (DHA) – ONSITE Salem Maritime National Historic Park and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Dates: May 18th, 2026 – August 10th, 2026 (12 weeks)
Compensation: $768 per week
Medical Insurance: Not provided
Application Due: March 1st, 2026

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

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
  
• Be between the ages of 18–30, or up to 35 if a veteran.
  
• Be a student in an accredited college with a graduation date after the internship end date.
  
• Be willing to undergo a background check upon hiring.
  
• Have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
  

Note: A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.

 

Position Description:
Salem Maritime National Historic Park and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site seek an intern to research, refine, and deliver bilingual interpretive programs while continuing active outreach efforts with local Latino community groups.

In 2020, a Latino Heritage Intern at Salem Maritime developed a “Latino Commitment and Engagement Plan” after collaborating with local Latino community members to identify specific recommendations to improve inclusion at the park. This plan was refined and expanded by subsequent interns in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025.

The Latino Heritage Intern will use interpretive themes and essential questions from Salem Maritime’s Foundation Document and Visitor Experience Plan (2020) and Saugus Iron Works’ Foundation Document and Visitor Experience Plan (2022) to research and develop audience-centered interpretive experiences focused on the parks’ natural and cultural resources. Potential programs may include historic house tours, maritime programs, nature walks, and tide walks.

The goal of the project is to create new park experiences attractive to the local Latino community. Currently, 23% of Essex County’s population (where Salem and Saugus are located) identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Programs may be bilingual but will primarily serve Spanish speakers. This aligns with a 2017 strategic plan for Salem and Saugus, which recommends prioritizing underrepresented students and groups to expand education programming (FY 2018–2023).

Throughout the summer, the intern will expand existing programs and connections within the Latino community, particularly in El Punto, a predominantly Dominican and Puerto Rican neighborhood near Salem Maritime. The intern will contact existing community partners and establish new relationships with leaders and organizations in Essex County. The intern will also represent the parks at community-organized special events and outreach programs. In 2026, the intern will support programming related to America 250 and Salem 400+ anniversary events.

 

DHA-RA Internship Deliverables include planning, preparing, promoting, and delivering:

• A bilingual (Spanish–English), audience-centered interpretive and educational program at Salem Maritime and/or Saugus Iron Works, presented multiple times.
  
  

• A special Latino Conservation Week event hosted at Salem Maritime NHP, featuring community partners such as the North Shore Community Development Coalition.
  
  

• Written outlines, program materials, and vendor contacts for each program developed and presented.
  
  

• Documentation of best practices for bilingual interpretive/educational programs in the Latino Commitment and Engagement Plan (2020) and presentation of recommendations to the Park Operations Team.
  
  

Since 2018, Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works have prioritized working with adult interns through LHIP and HBCU programs. The parks have continuously evaluated ways to improve hiring and program creation. Staff participate in regular supervisory trainings to create a positive work environment. Hosting adult interns has led to significant impacts, including new partnerships and inclusive content development for both online and on-site visitors. The program continues to provide employment opportunities for young adults while serving diverse communities around each park unit.

 

Responsibilities:

• Research, develop, and deliver bilingual (Spanish–English), audience-centered interpretive and educational programs at both parks.

• Use park Foundation Documents and Visitor Experience Plans to guide program development focused on natural and cultural resources.

• Expand and refine the Latino Commitment and Engagement Plan by documenting best practices and presenting recommendations to park leadership.

• Conduct outreach and build relationships with local Latiox community members, leaders, and organizations in Essex County.

• Strengthen existing partnerships and establish new collaborations, particularly within the El Punto neighborhood and surrounding communities.

• Represent the parks at community-organized events, outreach activities, and special programs.

• Plan, promote, and present a bilingual interpretive program multiple times during the season.

• Coordinate and help deliver a Latino Conservation Week event in collaboration with community partners.

• Support planning and programming related to America 250 and Salem 400+ anniversary events.

• Prepare program materials, outlines, and supplies; coordinate with external vendors as needed.

Qualifications:

• Major in History, Anthropology, Sociology, Biology, Earth Sciences, Communications, or a related field.

• Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program.

• Bilingual in Spanish and English, with strong communication skills for diverse audiences.

• Interest in community engagement and serving underrepresented audiences.

• Experience or interest in developing and delivering interpretive or educational programs.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Learning Goals:

The LHIP intern will gain experience in:

• Researching, developing, and implementing special programs and events for a diverse audience.

• Creating and maintaining professional relationships with individuals and community groups.

• Communicating ideas and arguments in Spanish and English, both written and verbally.

• Working collaboratively with National Park Service staff across multiple workgroups, as well as with park partner organizations.
  

 

About the Site:

Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works are National Park Service units located in Essex County, MA. Salem is a historic coastal city of about 45,000 people, while Saugus is a more suburban town of 28,000. Both communities provide easy access to grocery stores, shopping malls, movie theaters, and concert venues. Multiple hospitals are available in Essex County, including one in Salem; world-class hospitals are available 20 miles away in Boston.

Summers in Essex County are warm, with an average daily high temperature above 72°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 80°F and low of 63°F.

The city of Salem is roughly 18% Hispanic or Latino, including a Dominican community in El Punto. The parks are also close to other nearby Latino communities, including Boston, Lawrence, and Lynn.

 

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)
Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans' preference, and "rule of three" procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

 

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and 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.