Teen Leader Program and Outreach Assistant Coordinator - Vicksburg National Military Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE member as a Teen Leader Program and Outreach Assistant Coordinator to contribute to improving community engagement through outreach and volunteerism alongside Vicksburg National Military Park staff.

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

Start Date: July-September 2023 (flexibility available for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: 52 weeks after start date

*a 52-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Located along the Mississippi River, Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg and commemorates the greater Vicksburg Campaign which led up to the battle. Today, Vicksburg National Military Park is home to over 1,300 monuments, tablets, and markers, earning the title of the largest outdoor art gallery in the world.

For more information about Vicksburg National Military Park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm

Position Overview: The ACE Member will be increasing youth engagement in the park including volunteerism, strengthening connections to the wider Vicksburg community, and supporting the growth and success of partnerships, specifically the YMCA's Teen Leaders program. They will be collaborating with YMCA staff on volunteer projects and leadership development programming for a group of youth selected for the year-long Teen Leaders program. The Member will be supporting park programming and increasing engagement with the local community, including underserved audiences through volunteer events, interpretive programming, and outreach.

The member will coordinate and support volunteer projects and outreach programs, including headstone cleaning, community events and festivals, and youth programming. Through the project, the member will engage in stewardship and protection of park resources.

Project objectives include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Support the growth and successful operation of the YMCA Teen Leaders program.
2. Increase community engagement with the park through innovative programming, volunteer projects, and active participation in community outreach events/programming.
3. Increase awareness of the park and its stories, support the development of youth leaders in the community, and increase community engagement.

During the term of this project, the member will have an opportunity to connect with up to 500 youth including a group of 10 Teen leaders who will be part of a yearlong program. The member will be responsible for supporting and managing the Teen Leaders program in partnership with NPS and YMCA staff. They will connect teens to the outdoors through recreation, education, volunteerism, and career development programs. The member will create opportunities for local communities to increase connections to the outdoors in partnership with public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

The member will collaborate with NPS and YMCA staff to provide teens with career and leadership development opportunities via mentorship and volunteerism. They will co-develop curriculum-based programming that meets the needs of all parties and utilizes appropriate resources to meet the needs of the teens. They will manage all related paperwork. The member will represent the park at various community events and assist with the leadership of volunteers to support outreach events and programming. They will assist with leading the Teen Leaders participants in volunteer events.

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. 'Volunteering with Youth' training will be provided.

Schedule Days/hours will vary throughout the position. Schedule may include weekends depending on programming needs. Most day hours will be 8-5, though there will be evening hours for weekly Teen Leaders meetings and the day's schedule will require coming in earlier.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $810/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 the NPS partner. A reimbursable housing allowance of $300/month will be available.

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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.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.
• ACE Members 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:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as education, community outreach, youth programing, and recreation
• Knowledge of teaching others, public speaking, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and partnering
• Ability and willingness to be flexible, community focused, and civically engaged.
• Deep interest in working with youth, community outreach, leadership skills, and volunteerism

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.
• 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 60 lbs., ability to move up to 60 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. The position is located in Mississippi which gets incredibly hot during the summer months.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• 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, 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 agency/partner or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the agency/partner. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the agency/partner, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to agency/partner 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 National Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, Shannon Borowy, at sborowy@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 Teen Leader Program and Outreach Assistant Coordinator Vicksburg National Military Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC