Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area Writing Fellow

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (BLCA) and Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE) Writing Fellow

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with The National Park Service (NPS) and the Western National Parks Association (WNPA), is seeking One Member to conduct research for and contribute to the writing process for at least two short interpretive publications to be sold at the park stores managed by WNPA.

For more information about ACE, please visit our usaconservation website.

Start Date: October 2024

Estimated End Date: April 2025 or May 2025

*a 30-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: BLCA CURE Interpretation staff would like to recruit a writer intern hired at the GS-7 equivalent level $22.00 per hour to perform extensive research and contribute to the writing process for park interpretive publications. National Park Service (NPS) staff will serve as day-to-day supervisor, coach, and mentor guiding the work.

For more information about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, please visit the NPS websites.

Position Overview: The individual in this position will conduct research about the cultural and natural history of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado. They will contribute written content toward the creation of two new Western National Parks Association (WNPA) and National Park Service (NPS) interpretive book publications, to be sold at park stores and online.

The individual in this position will work closely with the chief of interpretation and WNPA publishing staff to research, develop, and write content both interpretive and informational in nature. Interpretive content is written to provide opportunities for participants to form both intellectual and emotional connections to the meanings of the resource. The resulting products also cohesively develop relevant idea(s). Works with park staff, scholars, and resource experts to research content and cite sources accordingly. Ensures that text adheres to standards of the Harpers Ferry Center Editorial Style Guide and other NPS standards.

Members will be signed up as an official NPS volunteer and will be required to follow all ACE and Volunteer in the Parks policies.

Duties will include:

• Create a comprehensive bibliography of peer-reviewed literature, interviews with subject-matter-expert staff, and collection of factual information and relevant stories from local and regional sources which may include (but are not limited to) museums, universities, government and tribal contacts.
• Research the cultural and natural history of BLCA and CURE from multiple perspectives, inclusive of many voices and stories.
• Write text for the development of at least two short interpretive publications for BLCA and CURE, additional writing tasks may be assigned.
• Work collaboratively with NPS and WNPA to craft and edit text incorporating edits, comments, critiques, and suggestions.
• Follow NPS policy, guidelines, and NPS and WNPA style guides.
• Work with the park to complete a "fact guide" for both park units internally and for public use to disseminate accurate information.
• Other tasks may include additional writing projects including two trail guides, if time allows, and staffing the visitor center desk to gain familiarity with visitor interests and questions.

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, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $860/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing with a housing allowance of $200 per month to cover on site housing at the park 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. The member may have specific training related to research. This position includes a $400 stipend to cover any associated costs.

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 criminal history checks.
• 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 usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Time management. The ability to coordinate and manage a complex assemblage of data through an involved sequence of events within prescribed constraints of time and budget. The ability to make sound, constructive judgments and decisions related to text development.
• Basic knowledge of park resources, park audiences, and effective techniques that support project plans developed by others that offer opportunities for varied audiences to form their own intellectual and emotional connections to the resource meanings.
• A general understanding and knowledge of a broad range of subjects including geology, biology, ecology, anthropology, and American history. A high technical competence in each field is not assumed, but a general familiarity with, and keen interest in each field is required.
• Knowledge of NPS and interagency policies, guidelines, and standards related to research, writing, editing, and interpretation.
• Experience with conducting initial research to locate reference materials on a diversity of subject matter areas and carrying out an extensive research project. Of particular importance, is the incumbent's skill at locating and developing professional sources of information that supplement their own basic knowledge.
• Writing and editing skills. A highly developed ability to use written language as a communication device. A demonstrated skill in writing in an active, interesting style is a fundamental requirement for this position. Ability to work with a team to collaboratively write and edit text and ability to work with rigorous critique.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment.
• Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is acceptable and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require unique travel, such as to perform research off-site.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our usaconservation website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any general ACE related questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Division Director, Dave Bastian at dbastian at usaconservation dot org or for site/NPS specific questions, contact Chief of Interpretation & Public Information Officer Lori Rome at lori_rome at nps dot gov.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area Writing Fellow Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC