Interpretation Member- Lava Beds National Monument

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Lava Beds National Monument, is seeking two Interpretation Member to contribute to interpretive projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: June 11, 2023 Estimated End Date: October 13, 2023 *an 18-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Lava Beds National Monument, CA.

Lava Beds is located in remote northeastern California and sits on the slope of the largest volcano in the Cascade Ranger District. The high desert landscape of sagebrush and juniper changes into a ponderosa pine forest along the south boundary. Under the sagebrush landscape you'll find lava flows and over 900 lava tube caves. In addition to its outstanding geologic features, the monument encompasses the main battlefields of the Modoc War of 1872-1873.

On-site housing will be provided within the park and is located 22 miles from the nearest town of Tulelake, where you can secure fuel and basic grocery necessities. There are two restaurant options either in or near Tulelake. About an hour north you can also access Klamath Falls (this is where you will want to do most of your shopping). You'll find more options for groceries and other basic needs, as well restaurants and entertainment options.

For more information about Lava Beds National Monument please visit https://www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm.

Position Overview:

The intern will primarily be serving at the visitor center and providing interpretive programs at the visitor center, on hiking trails, and inside of lava tube caves. They serve as the main point of contact for many visitors while staffing the visitor center front desk. At the desk they will be responsible for providing accurate information about the park and surrounding area to visitors. When working at the visitor center, they will also assist with stocking the bookstore, selling park passes, and making sales. Interns will also have time to rove independently and provide informal interpretation through rove contacts and social media posts.

They will support the community by providing education programs to local and regional school groups and creating and presenting interpretive programs on the natural and human history of Lava Beds National Monument to the public. If there are community outreach events during the internship, the intern will assist with those events by creating display and staffing information tables.

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: ACE members will typically work 40 hours per week. Work weeks may include weekends and some holidays but will include two back-to-back days off each week.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week, before taxes, to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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 no cost for the duration of the term.

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 interpretation, park operations, and natural resource management

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

Preferred Skills:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing two years of related course work, work experience or a Bachelor's degree in related field such as natural science, history, communications, environmental studies, environmental education, community/regional planning, recreation management, or cultural resource.
• Attention to detail, organized, and experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Self-starter.
• Ability to think critically and creatively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of people and collaborate with others (NPS staff and partners) toward a mutual goal.
• Positive attitude and sense of humor.
• Comfort working outside to gather park data information and inside at a desk.
• Experience working with school groups.

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. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch, and hike over rough terrain.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: 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 does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, biting or stinging 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 NPS. 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/.

For priority consideration, please apply ASAP. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing rolling basis. 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 Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, 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.