Deadline: Sat, 09/09/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Ohio Location Detail: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Job Description: Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a nationwide non-profit Conservation Corps in Asheville (NC), in partnership with AmeriCorps. ACE is seeking female-identifying Corps Members dedicated to serving 12 weeks (450 Hours) at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The all female ACE crew would manage invasive plants over approximately 200 acres and help reforest approximately 50 acres of disturbed land. Members will have the opportunity to work alongside park volunteers, biologists, and staff from The Nature Conservancy to plant trees, collect seeds, and grow native plants at the native-plant nursery. To increase trail sustainability on approximately two to four miles of trails throughout the park members will repair trail surfaces and bridges; improve drainage; install turnpikes, crossings, and bridges; clear vegetation from trail corridors; clear culverts; and haul trail materials to work sites. CUVA lies along the Cuyahoga River between the cities of Cleveland and Akron. The winding river leads through forests, hills, and farmlands and the towering Brandywine Falls is one of several waterfalls among the river's tributaries. The park provides a refuge for native plants and wildlife and offers many trails of discovery for its visitors, such as the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which is a restored section of the canal's original towpath. Additionally, members will be given the opportunity to hear from female NPS staff from all park divisions and female leaders in conservation to discuss and explore career opportunities, career paths, challenges, strategies, and successes they've experienced during their journey. Participants will gain hands-on experience, job skills, and readiness for successful employment with the National Park Service and other agencies and organizations. Corps Members volunteer their energy and enthusiasm, working long hours in adverse weather conditions, to do work that is not always glamorous. This opportunity is for environmental stewards who are eager to give back to our public lands. Start Date (orientation): 9/19/2023 First day in Field: 9/27/2023 Estimated End Date: 12/9/2023 Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Schedule: Typical Corps Members work 8 days on/ 6 days off ACE provides Corps Members with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on field project days; Corps Members are responsible for their own meals on off days. Gear: ACE provides each member with their work shirts and any Personal Protection Equipment (PPE-helmet, safety glasses, gloves) and tent if needed. The member will provide his or her own work pants, rain gear, and boots. Upon acceptance to the program, Corps Members will receive a more extensive packing list Travel: Transportation will be provided by ACE to and from the worksite Position Description: Corps Members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors within ACE, and will gain invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the National Park Service and other stewards of our nation's public lands. Field work and other duties might include but are not limited to: Trimming Vegetation Removing litter/debris from trails, shorelines, boundary lines, and remote island campsites Repairing and installing campground infrastructure: picnic tables, fire rings, etc. Performing shoreline preservation Trail construction and maintenance Corps Members get experience working with or in conjunction with the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training: Trail Maintenance: Pick mattocks, Pulaskis, shovels, single/double jacks, McLeods, rakes, hand saws, and loppers Power Tools and Gas Powered Equipment: Brush-cutters, drills, and grip-hoist if needed Qualifications: Qualifications: Applicants must be capable of performing physically demanding labor on environmental and conservation projects for 10 hours a day. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying up to 40 lbs for daily tasks. Corps Members will work in a variety of weather conditions such as temperatures ranging up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, and rain. Required: U.S. Citizen or permanent resident Must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and up to 35 for Veterans Able and willing to work in a group Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check Preferred: Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing. Salary: $240/weekly Benefits: Benefits: Members will receive a Living Allowance of $15/hour, paid bi-weekly. Corps Members eligible for an Education Award for the amount of $1,718.25 for a 450-hour position upon successful completion of service. How to Apply: To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references here: https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/979435.html NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received and applications are processed on a rolling basis.. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Sabrina Gonzalez, Outreach & Member Support Coordinator, sgonzalez@usaconservation.org.
