Visitor Services Member - New River Gorge National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking four Visitor Services Members to contribute to Visitor Services projects alongside New River Gorge National Park (NERI) staff.

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

Start Date: May 7th, 2023 (flexibility is available)

End Date: July 29, 2023 or 12 weeks after start date

Location: New River Gorge National Park, Glen Jean, West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park (NERI) is located in southern West Virginia and encompasses 70,000 acres and 53 miles of one of the oldest rivers on the continent. NERI is home to a vast array of natural and cultural resources. Renowned for its recreational opportunities, NERI hosts miles of hiking and biking trails, premiere white water rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping.

Park staff also manages the nearby Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE) and Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI). BLUE protects 10.5 miles of free flowing river and offers a rich variety of natural resources and history along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. GARI protects 25 miles of the Gauley River and 6 miles of Meadow River. Known for its multiple class V rapids, GARI is one of the most adventurous rivers in the east.

Project Website: For more information about the park, please visit their website at: www.nps.gov/neri/

Position Description: The ACE Members will be mentored by the park's Interpretation Team, with a focus on developing and presenting interpretation programs, interacting with visitors, and assisting with visitor center operations. Their duty station will be at either Sandstone Visitor Center or Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

The ACE Members will assist visitors, staff information desks, provide roving interpretation at popular visitor destinations, develop and present formal talks, assist with interpretive hikes, conduct outreach for youth, and assist with Get Active in the Park programs.

Week 1: Members will report to their duty station at Sandstone Visitor Center or Canyon Rim Visitor Center and begin staff introductions, orientation, work training, and safety training. Through one-on-one mentoring with park interpretive staff, the members will learn how to operate park visitor centers, provide informal roving programs, and answer visitor questions. Members will receive training in interpretive operations, interpretive skills and techniques, customer service, first aid and CPR, NPS mission and park significance, and natural and cultural resource management.

Week 2-11: Members work on respective projects and programs while being mentored by park rangers. Members will develop presentation and customer service skills while interacting with visitors at information desks and will develop informal interpretive programs for use when roving and engaging visitors in the park.

Week 12: Members will complete final project tasks, return equipment, and complete off-boarding process.

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.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $475/week to offset the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

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.

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

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position may hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as environmental education, interpretation, biology, natural resources management, environmental science, or related disciplines.
• Ability to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds.
• Coursework and/or experience with education, interpretation, or natural resources.

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 ability to read a paper map.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: 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 heavy 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 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 Eastern Regions Member Coordinator, Maya Opara-Nadi, at mopara-nadi@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 Visitor Services Member New River Gorge National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC