Resource Education Member- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Interpretation Member to assist Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's well-established summer day camp program partnered with nonprofit organizations and the YMCA.

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

Start Date: May 20, 2024

End Date: November 15, 2024 (or 26 weeks after start date)

* A 26-week commitment is required *

Location: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, GA.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is "an ancient river in a modern city," and offers many opportunities to get outdoors, including hiking, rafting, and fishing. Atlanta is Georgia's largest city and capital, and a thriving international business and entertainment center Park headquarters and housing is just north of Atlanta, near the interstate, MARTA, and typical amenities (grocery store, retail shopping, post office, etc.).

The park is in the northern suburbs of Atlanta and near the interstate and basic amenities (grocery store, retail shopping, post office, etc.). The park includes 48-river miles from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek and 15 discontinuous land units. The park has one Visitor Center and units with trailheads, boat ramps, and picnic areas.

For more information regarding Chattahoochee, please visit the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm.

Position Overview: The purpose of this position is to provide a fulfilling developmental experience for the member, whereby they gain a greater knowledge of the park and its resources, learn valuable skills, network with various non-profit, municipal, state, and federal resource and education organizations, and learn about conservation careers and employment opportunities within the NPS. As a result of this experience, the member will gain additional program facilitation skills, knowledge of environmental education/interpretation best practices, professional development training, public speaking skills, and an opportunity to connect Atlanta's urban and underserved youth to a national park and the first National Water Trail. The position both promotes understanding and awareness of park resources as well as promoting environmental education through direct stewardship activities. Duties and responsibilities of this position are as follows:

• Develop environmental or historical education/interpretive programs under the direction of park staff.
• Lead various programs throughout the course of the summer camps and summer/fall season.
• Participate in creating and leading programs and special events for the community at large.
• Participate on park social media team to share content and target outreach.
• Special media, outreach, research, or other projects in alignment with intern interests, skills, and park needs.

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.

Schedule: 40 hours per week with occasional weekend work.

Position Benefits

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

Housing: The ACE Member will be accommodated in park housing at no cost for the duration of the term. The shared quarters are located within walking distance of park headquarters and include a washer, dry, kitchen, and shared common space. Individuals have private bedrooms. Please bring linens.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for an 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $3,447.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 900 hrs.

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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. 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.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $150 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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: education program delivery, customer service skills, interpretation, and public speaking.

Qualifications

Required:

• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Experience working with youth.
• Interest in natural resources, history, outdoor access and inclusion.
• Knowledge of public speaking, computer skills, software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Skype/Zoom/Microsoft Teams, history, and science.
• Candidate must be able to swim.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of telephone, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• 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 25 pounds, ability to move up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: Will work in both outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may 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 NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

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/. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact NPS EPIC Eastern Program Manager, Molly Nash, at mmnash@usaconservation.org.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.