CRDIP Cultural Resources Member - Cuyahoga Valley National Park

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and through the Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program, is seeking a Cultural Resources Member to assist Cuyahoga Valley National Park staff with archival research on historic properties in the park, and develop Geographic Information System (GIS) layers.

Start Date: May 6, 2024 (preferred)

Estimated End Date: July 26, 2024

*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

The Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP) is a professional development internship that introduces students and recent graduates, from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the National Parks, to career opportunities within Cultural Resource Management in the NPS. CRDIP participants will have the opportunity to attend several professional development webinars as well as write blogs or create videos about their projects throughout their term.

Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park-Brecksville, OH

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. For more information about the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm

Having a personal vehicle is highly recommended for commuting and to access groceries and other needs on days off. Public transportation is not available or dependable.

Position Overview: After a 12-week period, the CRDIP member would have completed an Archival/GIS project that adds historic maps and information found in the park and area archives to GIS layers showing the changing historic landscape over time. Assisting in the Cultural Resources division, the successful candidate's duties will include:

• Conduct research in the park and area archives, and possibly the county records to find historic maps of the defined area; this would involve working independently and going through finding aids as well as collections that are not inventoried
• Scan maps to preservation standards, prepare metadata, and store them digitally
• Georeference the digital maps to then add to layers in ArcGIS
• Assist the archeologist with fieldwork and section 106 compliance
• Assist the museum curator with curation and research requests

At the end of the 12 weeks, the CRDIP member will present their research and mapping to park staff showcasing their work.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development, promote exposure to land management agencies, and networking with professionals. Opportunities may include gaining experience in different conservation fields (natural or cultural), shadowing different work groups within the park, and/or assistance at other National Park Service sites.

Schedule: Full-time position; Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm (flexible).

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $1,824.07 upon successful completion of a complete service term and service hours.

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 here.

Housing: Park housing (shared housing with private bedroom) is provided at no cost for the duration of their term.

Provided Training/Orientation: The CRDIP member will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Park-specific onboarding and training will be provided, which may include site orientation, and cross-training opportunities. The member is also encouraged to attend training of interest.

Qualifications

Required:

• Have or be working towards a bachelor's degree or higher in archeology, museum studies, history or related field
• 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 flexible, working both self-directed and 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), to regularly operate government vehicles.
• Ability to pass required two or 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
• 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 here

Preferred:

• Interest or basic experience with GIS
• Interest in historic property research
• Have demonstrated research experience

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, and reaching with hands and arms. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Mostly office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled. A portion of the work may take place outside or in non-climate controlled facilities, such as outbuildings, basements, or storage facilities.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including pest excrement and mold on a routine basis but will be provided proper protective equipment. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or cultural resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS. 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 the recruiter and CRDIP Member Manager, Samira Rosario Martinez (she/they), at srosario-martinez@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 CRDIP Cultural Resources Member Cuyahoga Valley National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC