CRDIP Werowocomoco Education Member - Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

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 Werowocomoco Education Member to plan and test a fourth grade field trip program about the soon-to-be-opened to the public Werowocomoco site of Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

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

Start Date: Late May / Early June 2023

Estimated End Date: 12 weeks after start date

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

Location: Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age and as glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens.

Trail headquarters are located at the Jamestown Visitor Center of Colonial National Historical Park. The park, consisting of 8,677 acres, administers two of the most historically significant sites in English North America. For more information about the trail, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/cajo/index.htm

Position Overview: The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail manages an NPS property known as Werowocomoco on the York River in Gloucester County, Virginia. Werowocomoco was the seat of political leadership for the paramount chief Powhatan at the time of English arrival in 1607. This archeologically rich and sensitive site is not yet open to the public. The first visitors to Werowocomoco will be Gloucester County fourth graders on field trips. Trail staff collaborates with seven tribal governments in Virginia (six federally recognized) in planning and resource protection for the site.

Trail staff have worked with three educator participants in the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program to prepare a Junior Ranger activity book, pre-visit activities, a site tour outline showing the walking route with stops, educational content, and a post-visit activity. The Werowocomoco Education Member will pilot test the fourth grade field trip program with tribal families including children of varying ages, revise the materials as necessary, identify missing pieces and logistical challenges, and develop appropriate land stations including an archeology component and a maritime craft component. The Werowocomoco Education Member will be supported by NPS staff including the Interpretation and Education Division Manager, an archeologist, and a cultural anthropologist. Responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing all prepared materials and distill into one comprehensive education package supporting proposed field trips.
• Developing land station activities including archeology experience and at least one maritime craft such as net-making.
• Coordinating visits for tribal families with designated tribal representatives.
• Leading field trips and observing others who lead field trips to understand and list the required refinements to the fourth grade field trip education package.
• Working with tribal representatives, supported by trail staff, to review and seek concurrence on field trip education materials and suggested refinements.

Schedule: Full-time position Monday to Friday; 8:30am-5:00pm. Approximately 40% of the time will be spent at trail headquarters in an air-conditioned office. Approximately 30% of the time will be spent at the Werowocomoco site farmhouse building serving as an air-conditioned office. The remaining 30% will be outside at Werowocomoco.

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 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS. A reimbursement not to exceed $1,000/month will be provided to help offset the cost of housing. The College of William & Mary has a useful guide for short-term housing options.

Relocation Allowance: ACE member will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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. Specific training may include Operational Leadership, National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 compliance, Audience Centered Experience interpretation skills, other training opportunities through the NPS Common Learning Portal and DOI Talent databases, and other NPS mandatory training regarding IT security, Role-Based Privacy, Section 508 compliance, Records Management, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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
• 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:

• Possess a degree, experience, and/or demonstrated interest in archeology, public history, childhood education, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of tribal 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 Werowocomoco Education Member Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC