Deadline: Mon, 05/29/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Nebraska Location Detail: Valentine Job Description: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Niobrara National Scenic River is seeking Two Members to contribute to interpretation and oral history projects alongside NPS Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. To apply for these position please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/947230.html Position 1 Start Date: May 21, 2023 Estimated End Date: September 8, 2023 *a 16-week minimum commitment is required * Position 2 Start Date: August 14, 2023 Estimated End Date: December 1, 2023 *a 16-week minimum commitment is required * Location Details/Description: Niobrara National Scenic River (NIOB), Valentine, Nebraska. The Niobrara National Scenic River is located in north-central Nebraska, approximately 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Omaha. Along the 76 mile stretch of the Niobrara are numerous waterfalls that empty into the river from the surrounding cliff and canyon walls. The Niobrara was designated as one of the 10 best rivers for canoeing in the United States. Considered an extraordinary example of a Great Plains river, the Niobrara is home to over 500 plant species, many at or beyond their usual range, including many not otherwise naturally found within several hundred miles. For more information about Niobrara National Scenic River please visit https://www.nps.gov/niob/index.htm Position Overview: The applicant would assist the division of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers with connecting to visitors to the Niobrara River and its watershed. This will be done through formal and informal programming, assisting park staff with the large quantity of visitors that can come to the river during the busy summer months. The member will also assist in calling potential people to be interviewed and get basic biographical information so that oral history volunteers in the early fall can set up and conduct oral history interviews. The applicant may need to assist with the interviews by providing some technical support. • Participating in a variety of summer programming from Fishing Clinics to Summer Programs at the library and school. • Assisting with ranger-guided canoe programs • Presenting Junior Ranger programs to park visitors • Developing an educational video for youth on the river • Assisting with educational programs/field trips • Answering questions and providing information at the visitor center desk • Assisting with the oral history project. The applicant will also throughout their time at Niobrara NSR be able to shadow other divisions to get an overall view of how the park functions. Schedule: May 21st start date: Thursday - Monday 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. August 14th start date: Monday - Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. 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. Qualifications: • Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by 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). • Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check. • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. • 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. • Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps. • To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Preferred: • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a science, outdoor recreation, or similar degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as geology, interpretation, public speaking, or history. • Knowledge of canoeing or kayaking • Ability and willingness to teach people. • Deep interest in geology, birds, fish, water, history or something similar. Miscellaneous: Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: • Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing, and canoeing/kayaking for several hours a day a few days in a row. Ability to lift canoes overhead. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and move river equipment as needed for portage. • Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. • Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 75 pounds. • Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. • Travel: This position does not require domestic travel. 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. Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the National Park Service/Niobrara National Scenic River or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the National Scenic River. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the National Scenic River, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to National Scenic River and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. Salary: $250 a week dispersed bi-weekly Benefits: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $250/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 upon successful completion of their term. Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required. Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required. Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at $300/month for the duration of the term. Housing Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $300 monthly to be used towards housing costs that will be reimbursed as needed. Not to exceed $1200. Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include guest service training, content management system (website), writing, informal and formal interpretation. How to Apply: To Apply please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest, experience and which position start date you are interested in (or both), and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/947230.html 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 Member Coordinator, Michael Knapp at mknapp@usaconservation.org.
