Interpretive Visitor Services Member

Interpretive Visitor Services Member

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Whitman Mission National Historic Site, is seeking 2 members to contribute to interpretive visitor services projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: June 6th, 2023 Estimated End Date: September 30th, 2023*

*End date is flexible depending on the educational needs of the ACE member**a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located 6 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington (population 34,000) in the Walla Walla Valley. Whitman Mission features several trails, a monument to the Whitman family, and a museum displaying Cayuse art and artifacts. There is cell phone reception throughout the area.

For more information about Whitman Mission National Historic Site, please visit https://www.nps.gov/whmi/index.htm

Position Overview: Whitman Mission National Historic Site is seeking to place two members to serve as ACE Interpretive Members alongside Interpretive Rangers at the park. The ACE member will be expected to research the history of Whitman Mission National Historic Site (WHMI) in order to develop and present formal interpretive programs to the public, regularly hike park trails, engage the public through programming (educational and interpretive) and informal contacts, and sell merchandise. The selected member will receive two weeks of orientation where they will learn about the NPS mission and park purpose, the park and park partners, and the surrounding area. The member will receive CPR and First Aid certification and the opportunity to work with other park staff and divisions. The member will be supervised by the Supervisory Park Ranger to provide direction and assistance to the member and meet with them on a regular basis, at least twice weekly to discuss upcoming projects and responsibilities. The Park will provide office space, computer, telephone, and other office tools for the performance of their standard duties. Opportunities are available for the member to assist in a variety of natural and cultural resource management and maintenance projects.

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 ACE member will work ~ 5, 8-hours days per week, with two consecutive days off. Each working day will begin at 8am pacific time, and end and 4:30pm pacific time, with a 30-minute break for lunch. Position will work weekends and holidays, as needed.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700 a 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 is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or by the National Park Service.

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 defensive driving, Foundations of Interpretation, on-the-ground interpretation and education training (in concepts such as tangibles, intangibles, universals, and audience centered experiences), interpretive writing, cultural sensitivity, etc.

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 two-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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Comfortable speaking in front of audiences.
• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associates or bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as interpretation, education, history, conservation, parks and recreation management.
• Has worked with underrepresented groups/perspectives in the past.
• Ability and willingness to work with school-aged visitors, and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability and willingness to talk about complex and controversial topics
• Interest in Native American history and the National Park Service

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 use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• 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 15 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently 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.

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 Member Coordinator, Michael Knapp at mknapp@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 Interpretive Visitor Services Member Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC