Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) AmeriCorps Member with Niobrara National Scenic River

 

 

Position Title:  Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) AmeriCorps Member with Niobrara National Scenic River

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Niobrara National Scenic River
214 W.

Highway 20; Valentine, NE 69201

Terms of Service: 18 weeks



* Start Date: 05/11/2026


* End Date: 09/11/2026


* Application Deadline: 04/05/2026


* Number of Positions Available: 1


* AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

 

Stewards Individual Placements & Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) Initiative:
Stewards Individual Placements provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural and cultural resources.  The Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) initiative aims to increase access to the outdoors for all Americans.

Are you passionate about expanding access to public lands and creating welcoming outdoor experiences for all visitors? Do you believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy our National Parks? Our health, our planet, and our collective future rely on variety – in thought, ability, experience, and ideas.  Join the Youth Empowerment Stewards (YES) program and contribute to strengthening park operations and enhancing the visitor experience by helping to remove barriers to outdoor access—ensuring that our national parks remain open, accessible, and welcoming to all Americans.

Niobrara National Scenic River:
The Niobrara National Scenic River protects 76 miles of diverse geology, wildlife, and scenic beauty in north-central Nebraska.  Its mission is to preserve these exceptional natural and recreational values while supporting responsible public use and partnering with local communities and landowners to ensure long-term stewardship of the river. 

Role of YES Member at Niobrara National Scenic River:
The Youth Empowerment Steward (YES) AmeriCorps Member at Niobrara National Scenic River will support the “Niobrara 35 & America 250: Accessible Adventures” initiative, an environmental stewardship project focused on expanding access/usability, improving the visitor experience, and strengthening community partnerships.

The selected YES Member will begin an assessment and offer ideas on a Universal Design plan for the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail at Smith Falls State Park, a partner site.

This plan will assess current trail conditions, identify access barriers, and recommend improvements consistent with ADA standards and National Park Service guidance.

 

In addition to Universal Design planning, the YES member will contribute to adaptive recreation programming, including supporting the coordination and delivery of adaptive paddling clinics (canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding) for the general public and for veterans, as well as assisting with an adaptive fishing clinic.

 

Throughout the 18-week term, the YES Member will conduct field assessments, collect environmental and accessible data,...