Interpretation Member - Jewel Cave National Monument

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Jewel Cave National Monument is seeking One Member to contribute to interpretive projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: October 22, 2023

Estimated End Date: April 13, 2023

*a 25- week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Jewel Cave National Monument is located east of Custer, South Dakota in the beautiful Black Hills. Custer, which is a town of about 2,000 people, has a variety of restaurants and one grocery store as well as a small market. More amenities are available in Rapid City approximately one hour away such as an airport and more shopping facilities. On-site furnished housing at Jewel Cave is available for the selectee.

For more information about Jewel Cave National Monument please visit https://www.nps.gov/jeca/index.htm.

Position Overview: Interpretive Members will get to interpret a variety of themes while leading two different cave tours: the one hour and twenty-minute Scenic Tour, and twenty-minute Discovery Tour to the visiting public as well as the occasional field trip. You will also assist with visitor center operations by opening and closing the visitor center and staffing the front desk. Behind the scenes you will get to schedule social media posts, lead distance learning education programs, and conduct classroom visits to local schools.

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

Schedule: This position will work eight-hour days Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. throughout the season.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $3247.50 upon successful completion of your service term.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. 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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is provided by the park at no additional cost to the member.

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 interpretation training, and First Aid and CPR.

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 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 or as defined by AmeriCorps
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as history, geology, biology, education.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and experience doing public speaking.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, going up and down over 700 stairs multiple times a day, hiking on occasion. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: On occasion moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: While the work environment conditions are constant in the visitor center and cave (49 degrees all year), outdoors can change frequently and winters can be very cold, with overnight lows on occasion reaching -20 degrees Fahrenheit and there being many feet of snow on the ground.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold and rocky terrain. 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 the site. 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 site 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 Western Region Program Manager, Deanna Stark at 719-822-8178 or dstark@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 Interpretation Member Jewel Cave National Monument Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC