Alaska Interpretation Intensive Member - Kenai Fjords National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with National Park Service is seeking ONE member to contribute to the Interpretation Intensive project alongside Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ) staff.

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

Start Date: May 13, 2024

Estimated End Date: November 9, 2024 (26-week position)

*a 26 -week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, AK

At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 38 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice. Sugpiaq people relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate. As an intern at Kenai Fjords National Park, you tell the story of the resources and people at two Visitation Centers. The Visitor Center in Seward's small boat harbor and the Nature Center located at Exit Glacier.

For more information about Kenai Fjords National Park please visit: https://www.nps.gov/kefj

For more information about Seward AK, please visit: https://www.seward.com/.

Position Overview: ACE Members in the Alaska Interpretive Intensive will participate in Audience Centered Experience (sometimes also also acronymed as ACE) based seasonal Interpretive training, develop, and deliver original interpretive programs, participate in a multi-day training covering web and app authoring and interpretive writing and take the National Park Service's in Audience Centered Experience Train-the-Trainer course. Members will work in the full breadth of a park interpretive program for the duration of the Interpretation Intensive.

This position will work as part of the Kenai Fjords National Park's interpretive team. The position will attend the park's 2-week seasonal training and the following cohort experiences throughout the summer season: shadow returning Park Rangers' programs, shadow education Fjord walk, go on a 6-hour marine tour of KEFJ, participate in an 8-hour Exit Glacier hike, attend an 8-hour federal resume workshop and present at KEFJ's youth symposium.

The intern would develop a 30-minute pavilion chat for the public and a 90 min interpretive hike at Exit Glacier. The position would also work with the park's Web and Social Media Lead to write content for our website and social media platforms i.e., Facebook and Instagram. The intern will also learn about tribal consultation and working with our partners through this project.

Schedule: The Interpretation Department manages the Visitor Center and the Nature Center seven days a week during the summer season from 8:00 am AKST to 8:00 pm AKST. Members of the Interpretation Team, work 8.5 hours a day with a 30 min lunch break, 5 days a week between the hours of 8:00 am AKST to 8:00 pm AKST. Including weekends and holidays. Schedules can change to meet operational needs. Overtime may be required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week 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: Kenai Fjords National Park housing consists of shared 3-bedroom unit apartments in Seward and shared 2-bedroom cabins at Exit Glacier.

Project Travel: ACE members will have access to up to $6000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses and project travel. 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. Attend the Kenai Fjords National Park 2-week interpretation seasonal training. Participate in the National Park Service's in Audience Centered Experience Train-the-Trainer course.

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 two-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:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a college degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in a related field.

• Have relevant experience in subject areas such as public speaking, education programs and customer service.
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resources topics pertaining to temperate rain forests, climate change issues, geology, and glaciology.
• Ability and willingness to research, develop, and present a variety of formal, structured, and impromptu thematic interpretive programs such as talks, guided walks and off-site programs to diverse audiences.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires the ability to hike over uneven and steep terrain up to four miles at a time and seven miles a day and staff a visitor center desk by standing for extended periods of time.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse cold and wet weather conditions in a temperate rain forest. Visitor Center desk duties may be performed outdoors in cold and/or foul weather and/or with mosquitoes and biting flies instead of inside traditional contact stations.
• Travel: You may be required to travel occasionally.

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 National Park Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by 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 Recruitment and Outreach Manager, Victoria Yee, at vyee@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 Alaska Interpretation Intensive Member Kenai Fjords National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC