African American Experiences Project Member - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE African American Experiences Project Member to assist with the synthesizing of research of African American history in Elkmont, Tennessee to create social media, education, and training materials for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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

Start Date: January 22, 2024

Estimated End Date: January 17, 2025 (or 52 weeks from the start date)

*a 52-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) - Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an Appalachian mountain sanctuary where life thrives, science advances and cultural connections resonate.

The park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and is the largest mountainous park east of the Mississippi River and is one of the most visited units managed by the National Park Service, welcoming over 10 million visitors annually. The park encompasses more than 800 square miles of these ancient mountains that exhibit the finest example of the ruggedness, magnitude, height, and scenic grandeur of the southern Appalachian Mountains, including 16 peaks over 6,000 feet. It was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is an International Biosphere Reserve.

The Smokies are world-renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, beautiful scenery, and the size and integrity of the wilderness sanctuary within its boundaries where hikers can experience over 800 miles of trails. With more than 19,000 species documented in the park, no other area of equal size in a temperate climate can match the park's diversity of plants, animals, and invertebrates.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park also celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Humans have lived here for more than 9,000 years and the park preserves diverse archaeological sites and historic structures, including one of the largest collections of Appalachian log buildings.

The African American Experiences Project Member will work at the Townsend Collections Center. An indoor archival and research center within the park.

For more information regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.

Position Overview: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the primary duties of the African American Experiences Project Member will include:

• Research the history of African Americans in Elkmont, TN.
• Transcribe and archive old and new oral histories for GRSM and the regional office.
• Use new research to create educational training material for staff and partners.
• Use new research to educate GRSM's virtual visitors through social media.
• Lead in-person and virtual educational presentations.

The ACE member will primarily focus on adding additional research to the overall project that will be made available for public and internal staff use. The primary focus area for research will be an area in GRSM located at Elkmont, TN. Elkmont's history dates to the early 1800's, when early white settlers settled the area. Elkmont was transformed throughout the 1800's and early 1900's by the creation of the Little River Railroad (LRR). As the LRR brought more people to enjoy the recreation and sites of the area from Knoxville, TN, many summer homes were built by the wealthy. African Americans would have been used as caretakers for the property and children for decades. Through caretaking, African American families such as the Davis family that were caretakers for the Mebane's family cabin for several decades would build a deep connection with the park. The member will conduct new research and organize the current oral histories, videography, and primary documents to create a complete story of African Americans in Elkmont, TN. The park is working on transcribing 12 oral histories through a professional transcription service. The ACE member will help facilitate the process with the help of the ATR and GRSM project staff, by ensuring that oral histories are adequately archived, transcriptions are proof-read for Appalachian dialect, and oral histories are added to GRSM and the National Park's oral history collections. At the end of the project, the ACE member will synthesize the Elkmont research to create social media, education, and training materials for park and partner staff members.

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: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The ACE member may have to change their schedule due to educational programming or special events that occur on Saturday's and Sunday's.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $840/week to cover 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 here.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Travel Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible travel/relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Training Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible training 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. The member will learn about the importance of partnerships and stakeholder engagement by working with the park's public information officer and resource education and management staff. They will spend a portion of their internship making connections with other interns through group activities such as social media teams and annual seasonal training. The member will work with education technicians and specialists to learn the basic skills of creating and conducting education programs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be 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 the required two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within the NPS
• Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position hold a four-year degree in history, or related field, from an accredited institution (candidates currently seeking Masters or Doctoral degrees preferred)
• Knowledge of:
  • Familiarity with MS365 Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Proficient with audio and video equipment
  • Critical thinking
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Multi-tasking
  • Self-starter
• Ability and willingness to to perform research for long durations of time, speak at public and virtual events, organize and share research with colleagues, work in an interdisciplinary setting, work with external and internal partners, and produce writing material from research.
• Deep interest in African American history.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Position has a high demand of sitting, while traveling and working. The member must be able to ensure long periods of sitting while traveling and research. The member must be able to endure hikes of various elevations and distances to complete research. Computer and research work may involve repetitive movements which can strain hands and wrists.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. Viewing a computer screen for long periods of time can also cause eye strain.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 10 lbs., and must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Administrative and research work is generally performed indoors at in-door facilities such as libraries and research centers. Research and intern-led presentations may take place in libraries or rural but accessible locations of the park.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does require travel to local museums.

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 resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Regions Member Coordinator, Maya Opara-Nadi, at mopara-nadi@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.

Current Openings for African American Experiences Project Member Great Smoky Mountains National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC