Education Member - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking ONE Education Member to assist Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) staff with summer outdoor programming offered to local youth groups visiting the Smokies.

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

Start Date: TBD

End Date: 12 weeks from start date

* A 12 week minimum commitment is required *

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based out of Sugarlands Visitor Center, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique among America's National Parks; located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its rich diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of the ancient mountains and forests, and its preservation of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

For more information regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.

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, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: The ACE member will be accommodated in shared park housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Cell phone reception is not always reliable and a personal vehicle is required due to the site being remote with no reliable public transportation. The Member will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour (~$1,678.57) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours.

Position Description:

Education Members assist park staff with summer outdoor programming offered to local youth groups visiting the Smokies. All programs are already developed and involve the students in nature-based activities or, in the case of older groups, collecting data for long-term monitoring citizen science projects (topics include salamanders, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, snails and plants). Members will co-teach with park rangers and might provide leadership to younger high school interns who occasionally assist with programs.

Your health is important to us! Please note that duties may shift in order to prevent and reduce transmission of COVID-19. Visit the CDC website for further resources: ​ www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Training Provided: ACE and NPS are committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare Members for future careers in the stewardship of America's parks and public lands.

Training may include: Orientation to the National Park Service, How to Apply for Federal Jobs, Putting together a Federal Resume, How to Develop Education Programs, How to Deliver Education Programs, and opportunities to work in the field with other divisions such as Wildlife, Vegetation and Fisheries management, trail maintenance, and archaeology.

Schedule: The member will contribute ~40 hours a week. Typical work days will be Monday through Friday, however occasional weekend service may be required.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Members must be US citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with 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).
• A personal vehicle.
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to hike up to 3 miles in steep mountain terrain
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
• Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Knowledge of science and basic ecological concepts.
• This position will mostly work outside and will provide leadership to youth so it is important to have a positive attitude that helps set the tone for fun and exploration.
• 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.

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 Eastern Program Manager, Madison Douthitt, at mdouthitt@usaconservation.org.

EOE: 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 Education Member Great Smoky Mountains National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC