Interpretation and Resource Education member-Dry Tortugas National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service and Everglades National Park, is seeking ONE Interpretation and Resource Education member to contribute to interpretation projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: March 18, 2024

Estimated End Date: 53 weeks after start date*

*A 53 week minimum commitment is required and the position intended to run through Aug 2025.

Location Details/Description: Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West Florida.

This position is located at Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West, Florida. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. There are no restaurants, shops, or any other services that offer food, water or fuel available on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. The ferry provides breakfast and lunch for its passengers and all other visitors need to plan on bringing whatever they need for personal comfort, hydration, and sustenance for their trip.

Dry Tortugas is a 100-square mile park that is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.

For more information about Dry Tortugas National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

Position Overview: The Interpretation Division provides customer services and programs to park visitors; educational opportunities for youth, resources education through community outreach events and visitor center operations. An interpretation and resource education intern assists the division in these disciplines and thus, helps the park maintain visitor services and our enabling legislative mandate of visitor resource education.

• Assist and lead DRTO EE programming at the park.
• Conduct classroom visits to local Monroe County schools participating in DRTO EE programing.
• Assist development and implementation of Jr Angler fishing program.
• Participate in monthly social media planning meetings and draft two to three park posts per-month.
• Reply to visitor and student mail inquires.
• Represent the park at monthly outreach events providing information to visitors on DRTO and partners agencies.
• Participate in the park's safety program and wear required personal protection equipment (PPE).
• Greet visitors and provide routine information at the Eco-Discovery center once re-opened.
• Assist with monthly Eco-Discovery Saturday programming.
• Support group projects and multi-day summer programming.
• Assist with miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned in accordance with National Park Service standards. Potential employee will be asked to keep their supervisor informed of progress and/or needs on assigned projects and attend training opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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: The schedule will be both fixed and flexible depending on needs of the park and scheduled programs. Some overnight weekends will be required for summer programming and evening events. Typical fixed schedule would be 9a-5p Tues-Sat with required at the FL. Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Remote telework is permitted for administrative duties, website updates and social media posts.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $770/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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 in the lower keys is the responsibility of the incumbent. However, housing at the park during official, overnight stays will be provided.

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 park orientation, history, visitor services and youth education programs trainings.

Travel and Supplies: $1500 is designated for travel associated with training, supporting community events and ancillary supplies.

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).
• A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part background investigation
• 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 website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for the position may hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental education, interpretation, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation.
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of telephone, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. 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 25 pounds, ability to move up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: Will work in both outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
• Travel to and from work on vessels and seaplanes and small boat operations.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, 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 the NPS or ACE. 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 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 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 ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Program Manager Molly Nash at mnash@usaconservation.org.

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 Interpretation and Resource Education member Dry Tortugas National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC