Visitor Services/Interpretation Member - New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking one Interpretation Member to dedicate 13 weeks to New River Gorge National River at the Canyon Rim and/or Sandstone Visitor Centers.

Start Date: January 23, 2023

End Date: April 22, 2023 (or 13 weeks after start date)

* A 13-week commitment is required *

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

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (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: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm.

For more information about American Conservation Experience: http://www.usaconservation.org/.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours per week and will receive a living allowance of $475/week to cover 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.

Position Description:

• Weeks 1-2: Through one-on-one mentoring with park interpretive staff, the member will learn how to operate park visitor centers, provide informal roving programs, and answer visitor questions. Member 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.
• Weeks 3-12: Member will work at Canyon Rim or Sandstone Visitor Centers assisting visitors at the center and providing informal interpretive contacts in North District locations. 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.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Proven ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group
• Must be 18-35 years of age (This position's age limitations are a requirement of the Public Land Corps Act.)
  • Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply

• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check.
• Ability to follow safety in the field
• Desire and ability to learn new concepts
• Must be able and willing to serve outdoors, in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in physical labor

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for the position will 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.

Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with three (3) professional/academic references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Member Support Specialist, Kyle Ellison, (379) 385-7473 or kellison@usaconservation.org

EOE: 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/Interpretation Member New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC