NPS Academy Cohort 2024 General Interest Announcement

**Please note that this is a general interest announcement. This is not an announcement for a current opening. **

Are you passionate about working outdoors but don't know where to start? Do you come from a background that is historically underrepresented?

If so, the NPS Academy Program could be the perfect fit for you!

About ACE and NPS Academy

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young adults and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and improve public lands while gaining practical professional experience.

ACE is the nonprofit Partner for NPS Academy. The 2024 Academy cohort will be the 14th cohort of the National Park Service (NPS) Academy program. The NPS Academy aims to support the development of a more representative NPS workforce by connecting dynamic, young adults through an experiential program designed around three themes - Connections, Diversity, Legacy. Through participation, members build their conservation ethic, intercultural awareness, and career readiness skills and competencies. NPS Academy introduces participants to the NPS Universal Competencies that are foundational to all NPS career paths within a cohort of like minded peers.

NPS Academy Program Mission and Goals:

• Connect a diverse group of young adults sharing a passion and curiosity for careers within the NPS
• Deepen participants' knowledge of and personal network within the NPS by fostering an NPS mentorship relationships
• Develop a network of emerging conservation and park leaders by building ambassadorship, storytelling, and leadership skills
• Create a more inclusive and representative future for public lands

The two main parts of NPS Academy are the orientation and the summer position:

Orientation Details:

• 1-week immersive orientation in Grand Teton National Park
• Food, lodging, and travel costs covered by ACE
• In-depth exploration of the National Park Service Universal Competencies

• Introductions to a broader National Park Network

Summer position details:

• Individual placement for ~12-16 weeks at a National Park
• Weekly living allowance stipend
• Housing provided
• Eligibility for AmeriCorps Education Award ~$1,720
• PLC Hiring Authority Eligible
• Travel relocation funds
• ACE and NPS Mentorship
• Hands-on experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What parks did NPS Academy partner with in 2023?

Acadia National Park - Maine

Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park - Vermont

Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming and Montana/Idaho

Glacier National Park - Montana

Mount Rainier National Park - Washington

Golden Gate National Recreation Area - California

What type of positions are available?

The 2023 cohort had 20+ positions ranging from vegetation, wildlife, trails, social science, interpretation, fire effects research, IT, and more.

What are the Basic Qualifications?

• 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).
• Willing to undergo a criminal background check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.

What is the timeline and time commitment?

2024 Academy Cohort Timeline:

Interest Application: Open now until late fall

Position Applications Open: Late fall 2023

Position Applications Close: Early January 2024

Interviews Conducted: ~December 2023 through early February 2024

Orientation: March 4th-8th, 2024 in Grand Teton National Park

Positions: ~May 2024 to 12 to 16 weeks from the start date

Time commitment: typically a 12-16 week minimum commitment for the summer position and participation in the orientation March 4th-8th are required for the position

What are the benefits of NPS Academy?

Beyond getting to live and work in a beautiful park, NPS Academy strives to provide the candidate with an experience that will support them professionally and financially for the duration of the term.

Benefits include:

• Competitive Living Allowance: All NPS Academy positions are paid positions. The allowances are designed to prepare members for similar allowance structure at entry level positions at their service site.
• Housing Provided: NPS Academy members will be also accommodated in provided park service housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Housing arrangements vary by park site.
• Gear Discounts: Pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on hundreds of established outdoor gear brands.
• AmeriCorps Education Award: For AmeriCorps eligible positions, individuals will earn an Education Award upon successful completion of service hours.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: With this eligibility you can apply for related governmental positions as if you were already "in" the system as a government employee.

If you'd like to dig more into what ACE and NPS academy offer please visit usaconservation.org or https://www.usaconservation.org/epic-national-park-service/.

How to Apply

Excited to apply? Great! Applications for the 2024 NPS Academy cohort open in Late Fall 2023 on the ACE EPIC job board. We're looking forward to seeing your application then...AND, in the meantime, we would love to connect with you!

If you are curious to learn more about NPS Academy please fill out our Academy interest form.

NPS Academy 2024 Cohort Interest Form: https://forms.gle/tfV4y69cRJRE2prp7

Submitting an interest form will allow you to:

• Connect with recruiters early
• Get a jumpstart on your application
• Be the first to know about upcoming Academy information, Q & A, and 1-on-1 sessions
• Know if you're eligible for Academy before submitting a full application
• Early access to Academy applications a week before they're released to the public
• Receive tips for a strong Academy application

If all that sounds exciting to you, then we want to hear from you! Again, follow the link above to fill out the form. It should take you around 5 minutes for the first two sections. The third section is an optional section with application-like questions and a chance to upload a resume.

While this interest form is not an application for a current opening, submitting a form will allow us to better guide you in the 2024 NPS Academy and ACE application process. When positions open in Fall 2023, we will invite you to submit applications for the cohort.

If you have any questions regarding this NPS Academy please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Academy Member Coordinator, Deja Charles at dcharles@usaconservation.org. (Deja Charles is also an NPS Academy Alumni!)

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.

**Please that this is a general interest announcement. This is not an announcement for a current opening. **

Current Openings for NPS Academy Cohort 2024 General Interest Announcement Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC