Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Interpretation Member to assist with implementing and delivering interpretive programming to park visitors alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

For the full position announcement and to apply, please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/909588.html

Start Date: April 16, 2023 (flexibility is available for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: Nov, 5, 2023 (or 29 weeks from the start date)

*a 29-week minimum commitment is required*


Location Details/Description: 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.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center is home to the Mountain Farm Museum. The Mountain Farm Museum includes farm buildings such as a farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse and a blacksmith shop. During the summer there are often chickens, pigs, and horses on the farm.

Position Overview: 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 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, cultural demonstrations, and evening programs.

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.

The Member will also assist with tasks at the Mountain Farm Museum. This may include cultural demonstrations such as hearth cooking, broom making, blacksmithing, and caring for farm animals.

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.

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.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: The ACE member will be accommodated in shared park housing (own bedroom) at no cost for the duration of the term. Wi-Fi may be available.

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. Wi-Fi is available for ACE Member use at the Oconaluftee administration building. Groceries and medical facilities are available within a 15-30 minute drive. The ACE Member will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel.

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 the required two-part criminal history check.
• 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.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for the position can hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental education, interpretation, biological sciences, history, archaeology, cultural or 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
• Demonstrated experience or interest in working with underserved communities
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged and welcome

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://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/909588.html.

Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. Please note that this external-site position announcement may be out of date. If a position posting is still open on the application link provided, then the position has not yet been filled and is still accepting applications.

If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Victoria Yee at 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.