Deadline: Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: North Carolina Location Detail: Asheville Job Description: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), is seeking ONE Vegetation Monitoring Member to monitor significant natural resources in National Parks as part of the NPS Appalachian Highlands Inventory and Monitoring Network (APHN). Start Date: April 2023 Estimated End Date: October 2023 (or 25 weeks after start date) * A 25-week minimum commitment is required * Location Details/Description: Stationed at APHN office on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC Program Background: The Appalachian Highlands Network primarily serves three NPS units in the southeastern US: Blue Ridge Parkway, Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, and Obed Wild & Scenic River. Network parks are divided between two ecologically distinct physiographic regions: the Cumberland Plateau of Kentucky and Tennessee, and the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau, lush with vegetation, old-growth forests, rocky ridges, and deep gorges, are characterized by high levels of biological diversity and endemism. The nation-wide NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program was created to acquire the information and expertise needed by park managers to protect park resources and maintain ecosystem integrity in the face of multiple threats. The primary goals of the NPS I & M program are to inventory NPS natural resources to determine their nature and status; monitor park ecosystems to better understand their dynamic nature and condition and provide reference points in comparison to other environments; and to establish baseline inventory and monitoring practices throughout the National Park system. Living Allowance: The ACE member will serve approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to cover the cost of housing, food, and incidental expenses, disbursed bi-weekly. While traveling for projects, ACE will pay for lodging, and will provide Member a per diem for meals & incidental expenses. Travel accommodations may include motels, cabins, or park housing; Member may occasionally be asked to pay for lodging and later be reimbursed by ACE. Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the intern and not provided by ACE or NPS. AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $3247.50 upon successful completion of a service term and 900 hours. Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required. 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. 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 here. For the full position description and to apply, please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/920344.html Qualifications: Required: Member 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 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. 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 here. Preferred: Competitive applicants should have a background or coursework in botany, ecology, natural resource management, or a related discipline and have a demonstrated interest in this field. Knowledge, interest, and/or experience conducting vegetation sampling and monitoring Experience in various field data collection methods using standard protocols Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep, uneven terrain Interest and ability to work in remote field areas Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Garmin GPS units, and/or ESRI's GIS Pro Salary: $2,400/month How to Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/920344.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 NPS Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Victoria Yee, at vyee@usaconservation.org.
