Bat Interpretation Member - Cumberland Gap NHP

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Bat Interpretation Member to contribute to interpretation and outreach efforts regarding bat conservation at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The Bat Interpretation Member will assist with interpretive programs about bats, lead cave tours, and educate the public about bat conservation.

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

Start Date: March 6, 2023

End Date: December 2, 2023

*a 39-week minimum commitment is required*

Location: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Middlesboro, KY

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is located at the junction of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This position is stationed in the KY headquarters of the park located in Middlesboro, KY. Middlesboro (population 10,000) is large enough to accommodate three grocery stores, fast food, several restaurants, and a movie theater. It lies at the Kentucky border opposite Harrogate, TN, which is home to Lincoln Memorial University. Middlesboro is just 1.5 - 2 hours' drive from Knoxville, TN (population 192,000) and Lexington, KY (population 322,000), which have many amenities.

For more information regarding Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/cuga

Position Description:

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park contains 24,000 acres, 14,000 of which are recommended wilderness. Carved by wind and water, the Gap forms one of the few breaks in the formidable Appalachian Mountain chain. For centuries, the Gap was a key geological "gateway" for safely crossing the mountains. Bison, Indigenous Peoples, European explorers, long hunters, early American settlers, and even motorists crossed through Cumberland Gap to reach lands and resources on the other side.

Lush with vegetation and supporting diverse flora and fauna, Cumberland Gap has 85 miles of hiking trails, mountains, streams, and limestone caves. The Park provides habitat for up to 12 bat species, including the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), which has recently been proposed for listing as endangered. Populations of these and other bat species have plummeted in recent years primarily due to white-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bats during hibernation. Discovered in 2006, white-nose syndrome has spread rapidly across the country and killed millions of bats. At some sites, 90 to 100% of bats have died.

The ACE Member will work with other Park staff to develop, implement, and deliver bat education programs to the public. They will be a primary guide for the park's cave tours and night hikes, create social media content, plan and coordinate Bat Week events, and develop interpretive materials and activities focused on bats and bat conservation. These programs and materials will teach the importance of bats, the value of bats to the ecosystem, and the threat of WNS to bat populations.

Specific projects will include but are not limited to:

• Presenting interpretive cave tours and educational cave programs, with special emphasis on bats and WNS, to school groups and park visitors
• Ensuring decontamination of shoes after cave tours and programs to reduce risk of WNS spread
• Creating and/or presenting interpretive pop-up programs about bats and WNS on and off site
• Leading Night Hike programs that include information about bats and their importance
• Presenting educational programs about bats and WNS on and off site
• Creating fun and educational activities, crafts, and/or interpretive materials about bats for Bat Week and the Junior Ranger program
• Working with other park staff to plan, promote, and coordinate special events and activities for Bat Week
• Writing social media content about bats and WNS
• Assisting with other special events and programs
• Assisting with staffing the visitor center front desk

Fieldwork for this opportunity requires willingness to work in all types of weather conditions, hiking up to 5 miles per day, hiking at night, and working in a cave setting. The ACE Member must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

The staff at Cumberland Gap is dedicated to providing the Member with diverse field experiences and career development opportunities, while also providing guidance to develop professionalism and a solid understanding of the complexities of managing the resources of a National Historical Park.

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.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $300/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: IF there is room in the NPS dormitory, it will be available at no cost to the ACE Member and an allowance equivalent to its rent will be provided. The member may opt out of NPS housing in favor of their own rental location and a housing allowance of $700/month ($175/week) will be provided, making the total living allowance $475/week.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 1200-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($4,546.50) upon successful completion of term hours. Additional enrollment is required.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. 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.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes shoes, clothing, or other equipment, 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 must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• 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.
• The 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.
• A personal vehicle is required for the duration of the internship for personal transportation.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
• Must have effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work alone and in a group; ability to interact courteously and professionally with peers, supervisors, and visitors of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and other characteristics.

Preferred:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience in environmental education, interpretation, cave sciences, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline.
• Deep interest in ecology, history, caving, and respect for nature is critical.
• This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic individual who is deeply committed to the preservation of our National Parks.
• Interest in a career in conservation and education.

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 Eastern Program Manager, Madison Douthitt at mdouthitt@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 Bat Interpretation Member Cumberland Gap NHP Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC