Insect Ecology Member - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Summary:
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Insect Ecology Member to assist with monitoring, sampling, and identifying terrestrial insects associated with various projects throughout the Park.
For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/907811.html
Start Date: April 3, 2023 (flexibility available for the right candidate)
End Date: September 23, 2023 (or 25 weeks from start date)
*start and end dates are flexible, a 25-week minimum commitment is required *
Location: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Williamsport, Maryland
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park traverses 184.5 miles across four physiographic provinces, five counties in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as into the District of Columbia. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
For more information regarding Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: www.nps.gov/choh/
Position Description: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park traverses 184.5 miles across four physiographic provinces, five counties in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as into the District of Columbia. Such physiographic diversity subsequently cultivates plant and wildlife diversity, which is evident as one travels through the Park. As an example, the Park hosts more dragonfly and damselfly species than from any other national park in the country. That said, little else is known about the insects in the Park and how they respond to habitat changes resulting from management practices.
This position will focus on insect trap deployment and monitoring; collecting insect and associated plant samples; active insect sampling; identification of insects; and various other duties, depending on interests of the incumbent. The position will contribute to various research projects during the field season of 2023:
- Sampling epigeic and aerial insects after prescribed fire management
- Collecting and identifying floral visitors on Pycnanthemum virginianum, an imperiled plant species
- Assist in experimental set up and sample collection to examine insect communities at river otter latrines
- Sampling for floral visitors in managed meadow habitats
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 $570.58/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,247.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service are required.
Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a 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.
Housing: Park housing may or may not be available for rent within a short driving distance from the duty station. Housing availability cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Qualifications:
Required
- Members must be a 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).
- Willing to undergo and must pass a 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.
- Members 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: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements
Preferred Skills:
- Competitive applicants for this position may hold a bachelor's or graduate degree and/or experience in entomology, ecology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with various insect sampling methods, including pitfall traps, sweep nets, malaise traps, and other methods
- Experience identifying insects or related taxa using established dichotomous keys
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/907811.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 EPIC NPS National Recruitment Specialist, Shannon Borowy, at sborowy@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.