CRDIP Tribal Liaison Assistant - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

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 Tribal Liaison Assistant to assist in updating NPS interpretation and educational programming and supporting Tribal partnerships at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

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

Start Date: Mid/Late June

Estimated End Date: 16 weeks after start date

*a 16-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. To learn more: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/join-us.htm

Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. The park offers year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting. For more information about the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/dewa/index.htm

Position Overview: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has existing relationships with the Delaware Tribe, the Delaware Nation, the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, and the Shawnee Tribe. The Tribal Liaison Assistant would review current Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area interpretive and educational materials on Tribal history. This information would be shared with the park's Tribal partners, and Tribal review and input would be sought in an effort to update the park's current programming and publications. Based upon the Tribal input and additional research to be conducted, the member would draft interpretive content that may be used for future National Park Service staff training, and for the development of public education efforts. Decisions on educational content will be made in consultation with the Tribes. The goal of this project is to ensure that indigenous cultural history and perspectives are incorporated into current NPS staff training and also to inform the development of future programming, web content, social media posts, and publications at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The Tribal Liaison Assistant would also observe government-to-government consultations with Tribal members and staff and may communicate directly with indigenous community members, federal agencies, and other partners about project needs and priorities. In addition to the work outlined above, the intern would assist NPS staff on projects that may impact natural and cultural resources of Tribal interest. This work will be in direct support of the federal government's Tribal trust responsibilities, a critical function of the federal government with wide-ranging implications.

The Tribal Liaison Assistant will develop a draft presentation to the park management team and NPS regional staff that summarizes the results of their work. This will provide the member an opportunity to develop oral skills in addition to their written communication skills. The presentation will introduce the deliverable of the project, a report listing updated content on indigenous history that may be used for NPS staff training and the development of future public educational programming. The presentation will allow input from NPS park and regional staff as to edits and improvements of the project deliverable.

The Tribal Liaison Assistant will be supervised by the park Cultural Resources Program Manager. Once the member has a full grasp of the project, an outline will be generated by the member with project goals and deadlines. Meetings will be held regularly to get updates, reporting both successes and additional assignments which remain to be completed. The member will also have the opportunity to shadow interpretation and education staff to gain familiarity with NPS interpretive and educational program development and program presentation. The interpretation and education program manager will provide input and mentorship on the member's interpretive and educational content development.

The Tribal Liaison Assistant will have an opportunity to develop oral and written skills and enhance their research skills. In addition, the member will have the opportunity to work closely with Tribal government representatives, Tribal historic preservation officials (THPO) and NPS staff. The member will work with and develop materials about indigenous cultural history, observe Tribal consultations, and participate in park projects that may impact resources that are of interest to the Tribes. The member will have an opportunity to also develop a professional presentation and learn more about careers in Tribal cultural affairs and the NPS.

Schedule: Full-time position Monday to Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm. Approximately 75% of the time will be spent in the park Cultural Resources office in a climate-controlled space. Work will require frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Computer applications used will include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Teams. Some outdoor work may also be required to assist on park projects throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Up to 25% of the time will be outside, and outdoor activities may involve walking or hiking in environments that may range from open agricultural fields to forested, rocky mountainous terrain.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $580/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 300-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,374.60 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 is provided at no cost for the duration of their term. The ACE member will have their own room, but share a kitchen, bathroom, and other living areas.

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:

• Possess a degree, experience, and/or demonstrated interest in anthropology, archeology, Native American studies, public history, education, or a related discipline
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• 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
• 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:

• Knowledge of Native American history and government-to-government relations

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 CRDIP Member Coordinator, Samira Rosario Martinez, 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 Tribal Liaison Assistant Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC