Habitat Restoration Member - Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking ONE Habitat Restoration members to contribute to restoring habitat and managing native and non-native plants alongside Cuyahoga Valley National Park staff.

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

Start Date: November 10, 2024

Estimated End Date: 16 weeks from start date

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville, OhioCuyahoga Valley National Park protects 33,000 acres surrounding the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron in northeast Ohio. The park's mission is to preserve and protect the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River Valley for public use and enjoyment and to maintain open space in an urbanized environment.

The park is dominated by deciduous forest and the Cuyahoga River but also supports meadows, wetlands, and agriculture. Summers are moderately warm with average temperatures in the 70's and 80's and occasional warm spells in the 90's. Winters are moderately cold with average temperatures in the 20's and 30's. Occasional snowfall is not unusual between November and March.

For more information regarding the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, please visit the agency's website.

Position Overview:

The Habitat Restoration member will work on the park's restoration and exotic-plant-management crew, alongside park staff and volunteers. Exotic-plant management, including use of mechanical and chemical control, is a high priority, particularly during summer months. The ACE member will also assist with all phases of habitat restoration, including collecting native seeds and cuttings; propagating native plants at the park's nursery; preparing sites for planting; and planting native plants at restoration sites. Many projects, including exotic-plant control and reforestation, may be completed in coordination with large groups of volunteers. Other projects occasionally may require independent, solitary work. Depending on timing and personal interest, members also will have opportunities to assist on other park projects, such as reintroducing freshwater mussels to the Cuyahoga River; conducting electro-fishing surveys in park waters; monitoring vegetation, wetlands, and birds; and completing surveys of deer and butterflies.

Project Background and Objectives: The Cuyahoga Valley has a history of extensive, human disturbance going back hundred years and is infamously known for the last fire that burned on the Cuyahoga River in 1969. Since the park's establishment in 1974, park staff and partners have worked to restore habitat, transform the landscape, and promote ecosystem renewal. The park is currently undertaking or investigating a variety of restoration projects ranging from reforestation to species reintroductions to enhancing habitat for pollinators. As an example, the park is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a large-scale project to restore the Cuyahoga River to a stable length, create wetlands, and restore forest to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat. In addition, park staff are working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners to restore freshwater mussels, lake sturgeon, and other wildlife and plants to park lands and waters. ACE restoration members at Cuyahoga Valley National Park would support these large-scale projects, while gaining practical, hands-on experience and knowledge related to conservation biology and habitat restoration.

The park will provide training to the member in:

1. Plant identification
2. Methods to manage non-native, invasive plants with potential to obtain state-applicator certification
3. GIS and GPS technology
4. Native-plant propagation
5. Use of power tools and other equipment to manage invasive plants and restore habitat.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals, which may include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Typical work schedule is expected to be Monday - Thursday, 7 am - 5:30 pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $624/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in park housing provided at no cost for the duration of the term. Pets and family members are not permitted to live in park housing.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $250 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for must be approved by ACE staff & your site lead prior to purchase.

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. There is a $2,000 reimbursable training allowance for this role.

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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, or related discipline.
• Experience working in an environmental or cultural education setting
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the fields of natural or cultural resources
• Experience identifying and managing native and non-native plants
• Experience using GPS and GIS software
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Experience working outdoors.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for tool use. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, including working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Typically relatively quiet with intermittent periods of moderate to high noise, while using or near gas-powered chainsaws, machinery, and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: Travel beyond the vicinity of the park is unlikely in this position.

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 NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by 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 the usaconservation website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Member Manager, Emily Oostveen.

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 Habitat Restoration Member Cuyahoga Valley National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC