Assistant Trail Volunteer Coordinator - Cumberland Island National Seashore

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Cumberland Island National Seashore (CUIS) is seeking ONE member as an Assistant Trail Volunteer Coordinator to contribute to the maintenance of pedestrian trails and volunteer coordination within the park alongside the resource management staff.

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

Start Date: September 3, 2023 (may be flexible for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: September 30, 2024

*a 52 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Cumberland Island National Seashore, St Marys, GA

Cumberland Island National Seashore preserves Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. The seashore features beaches and dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes. The national seashore also preserves and interprets many historic sites and structures. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. The island is only accessible by boat. The Cumberland Island Visitor Center, Cumberland Island Museum, and Lang concession ferry to the island are located in the town of St. Marys, Georgia.

To learn more about Cumberland Island National Seashore, please visit the NPS website at: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm.

Position Overview: Cumberland Island National Seashore sees 70,000 visitors annually. Both visitors, National Park Service staff and residents rely on the upkeep of trails for appropriate and adequate access to the island resources. The trail system is the primary way for visitors to experience the island.

The ACE member will work alongside the Resource Management division of the park to maintain the pedestrian and administrative trail system. The member will also assist in providing opportunities for volunteer and youth engagement. The member will carry out the necessary trail work in conjunction with other NPS volunteers and aid the CUIS Volunteer Program coordinator in establishing work plans for these volunteer groups. The member will engage and work with local and non-local volunteers that will increase public awareness and participation in the National Park Service.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Providing upkeep of nearly 50 miles of pedestrian trails to include Parallel, Willow Pond, Brickhill and Terrapin Trails
• Trail work including brush/tree removal and clearing debris from the trail corridors
• Developing a Trail Maintenance Plan
• Maintaining and making recommendations for trail equipment
• Assist with all aspects of volunteer coordination

The ACE member will receive National Park Service volunteer coordinator training and required training for vehicle and equipment use while working at CUIS.

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: standard schedule will be Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm, though the position will require flexibility to accommodate weather and weekend volunteer groups.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $634/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program:This position may be eligible for an 1700 hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $6495.00 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hours.

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. 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 shared park housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

The shared housing is located on the island. The ACE member will have their own bedroom but share the kitchen and living area with other resource management interns/researchers.

Reimbursable Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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 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.
• 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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a B.A. or B.S. and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as wildlife management.
• Knowledge of trail maintenance, outdoor recreation, wilderness, public speaking.
• Deep interest in National Parks.

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 use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• 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 35 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• 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, 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 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 Assistant Trail Volunteer Coordinator Cumberland Island National Seashore Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC