Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements (STE) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

The Facilities Management Intern will be an integral part of the National Park Service Midwest Regional Office. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in facility operations, maintenance coordination, and sustainable practices while supporting park operations remotely. The intern will work from the central regional office, leveraging digital communication tools to assist in the servicing of 65 parks around the Midwest Region. This position offers a unique blend of administrative, technical, and project-oriented tasks that bridge field operations with behind-the-scenes support.

Description of Duties:

·       Digital Monitoring: Use remote monitoring tools to track maintenance requests and ensure facility systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing) across parks are functioning within operational standards.

·       Virtual Coordination: Engage in regular video or phone conferences with on-site park facility managers and external vendors to expedite solutions for maintenance issues.

·       Documentation: Maintain digital logs, work orders, and service reports by using facility management software and spreadsheet tools to document maintenance activities and track project progress.

Project Support:

·       Data Collection and Analysis: Compile, analyze, and report on data from facility audits or energy usage statistics, helping the team make data-driven decisions for improvements and cost savings.

·       Sustainability Initiatives: Research and propose best practices for energy efficiency and sustainable facility management that align with National Park Service conservation goals.

·       Project Coordination: Assist in preparing project proposals, timelines, and status updates for facility renovations and upgrades.

Communication and Collaboration:

·       Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with park managers, internal teams, and vendors using digital collaboration tools (e.g., email, video conferences, instant messaging) to ensure clear communication regarding priorities and schedules.

·       Reporting: Prepare periodic performance and maintenance reports, contributing to strategic planning sessions with the regional leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

Remote Operational Support:

·       Assist in monitoring and coordinating maintenance needs for park facilities across the region through digital systems and remote communications.

·       Respond to maintenance requests and work with on-site park teams to troubleshoot issues virtually.

Project Coordination:

·       Support project managers in planning and executing facility upgrades, renovations, and energy efficiency projects remotely.

·       Compile and analyze data for projects, preparing summaries and recommendations for improvements tailored to park-specific challenges.

Documentation and Reporting:

·       Conduct virtual facility audits and maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, energy usage, and system performance.

·       Prepare digital reports and presentations that showcase facility performance metrics, remote intervention outcomes, and recommended strategies for long-term sustainability.

Vendor and Stakeholder Communication:

·       Coordinate with external vendors and contractors by scheduling virtual meetings, obtaining cost estimates, and ensuring adherence to the National Park Service’s quality standards.

·       Serve as a liaison between the regional office and park managers, ensuring clear communication about facility needs and upcoming projects.

Research and Sustainability Initiatives:

·       Investigate emerging trends in remote facility management and sustainability best practices that can be applied to historical and natural resource settings.

·       Provide input on innovative technologies and strategies that can streamline maintenance operations and improve energy efficiency across park facilities.