Deadline: Sat, 04/02/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: North Carolina Location Detail: Cherokee, NC Job Description: Interpretation Members (Oconaluftee) - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO Interpretation Members to assist with implementing and delivering interpretive programming to park visitors alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) staff. Please note that duties may shift due to COVID-19. For full position announcement and to apply: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusaconservation.ap… Start and End Dates: 24-week position: Start: April 10, 2022 (some flexibility may be available for the right candidate) End: September 25, 2022 (or 24 weeks from the start date) *a 24-week minimum commitment is required* 16-week position: Start: May 8, 2022 End: August 28, 2022 (or 16 weeks from the start date) *a 16-week minimum commitment is required* Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Cherokee, North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique among America's National Parks; located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its rich diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of the ancient mountains and forests, and its preservation of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. For more information regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nps.gov%2Fgrsm%…. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $300/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Housing: The ACE member will be accommodated in shared park housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Cell phone reception is not always reliable and a personal vehicle is required, due to the remoteness of the site and no reliable public transportation. The ACE Member will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel. AmeriCorps: The 24-week position may be eligible for a 900-hour ($3,172.50) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment steps are required. The 16-week position may be eligible for a 450-hour ($1,678.57) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment steps are required. Position Description: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the primary duties of the Interpretation Member will include: Resource Education- Educate visitors about the significance and uniqueness of park resources, conservation, and ecologically sound practices and the laws, rules, and regulations developed to protect park resources and provide for their safe and non-consumptive use. Resource Protection- Preserving the natural and cultural resources of the park by preventing degradation of ecosystems, historical structures and artifacts and by preventing the loss and theft of objects, flora, and fauna through information and education. This will be achieved through the delivery of interpretive programs. Through place-based learning, visitors make real-world connections with science and history as they explore our National Parks! The Interpretation Member participates closely with National Park rangers to design, deliver, and evaluate programs in the park. Projects include developing new materials, maintaining program statistics, and creating visual aids. The Member will conduct basic research of topics for the purpose of developing and presenting interpretative programs, both orally and/or in writing. The Member will present a variety of formal and informal programs, including orientation talks, environmental education programs, conducted walks, demonstrations, and evening programs. A main duty of this position will be to inform visitors about park facilities and resources. Duties are performed on or off-site at locations designated by the park, including visitor centers, campgrounds, historical sites, etc. The Member will learn park resources by reviewing published maps, park research materials, and other documents previously prepared by park rangers / other professionals and by talking with park staff. The Member may also assist with one-time or annual celebrations related to programs / themes of the park and other special events. Other collateral duties may be assigned, including the research and development of social media posts, virtual programs, educational videos, interpretive signage, displays, website design, etc. Please note that your health is important to us! Duties may shift in order to prevent and reduce transmission of COVID-19. Visit the CDC website for further resources: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Training Provided: In addition to safety training, the Member will receive training in park resource knowledge, delivery of audience-centered / curriculum-based programs, report writing, and other position-related skills. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups. Qualifications: Required: Members must be US citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with U.S. government contracts Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group. A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request) A personal vehicle Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within the NPS Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term. Preferred: Competitive applicants for the position can hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental education, interpretation, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills Excellent public speaking skills Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome How to Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here:https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusaconservation.ap…. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Victoria Yee vyee@usaconservation.org. EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
