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Education Member - Great Smoky Mountains (Oconaluftee) – AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking ONE Education Member to assist Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) staff with summer outdoor programming offered to local youth groups visiting the Smokies.
Local applicants are encouraged to apply.

Start Date: May 8th, 2021
End Date: July 31, 2021
* A 12 week minimum commitment is required *

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based out of Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located in Cherokee, North Carolina. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is unique among America's National Parks; located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its rich diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of the ancient mountains and forests, and its preservation of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Project Website: For more information regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm and https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/ovc-green-building.htm.
For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation.org.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $255/week to offset the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Park housing may be available for the member, but due to COVID-19 restrictions housing is limited. Local applicants are encouraged to apply.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour (~$1,612.43) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours.

Position Description: Education Members assist park staff with summer outdoor programming offered to local youth groups visiting the Smokies. The students are typically coming as part of programs offered by area Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA and summer science camps. Many of the students live in the nearby urban areas in Asheville, NC. All programs are already developed and involve the students in nature-based activities or, in the case of older groups, collecting data for long-term monitoring citizen science projects (topics include salamanders, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, snails and plants). Members will co-teach with park rangers and might provide leadership to younger high school interns who occasionally assist with programs. Summer programming may be virtual depending on COVID-19 and CDC safety recommendations.
Your health is important to us! Please note that duties may shift in order to prevent and reduce transmission of COVID-19. Visit the CDC website for further resources:  www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Training Provided: ACE and NPS are committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare Members for future careers in the stewardship of America's parks and public lands.
Training may include: Orientation to the National Park Service, How to Apply for Federal Jobs, Putting together a Federal Resume, How to Develop Education Programs, How to Deliver Education Programs, and opportunities to work in the field with other divisions such as Wildlife, Vegetation and Fisheries management, trail maintenance, and archaeology.

Schedule: The member will contribute ~40 hours a week. Typical work days will be Monday through Friday, however occasional weekend service may be required.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • 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.
  • Must be 21-35 years of age (This position's age limitations are a requirement of the Public Land Corps Act. Additionally, members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
  • Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
  • documentation to be provided upon request.
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Public transportation is not available in the area so it is advisable to have a personal vehicle.
  • Must be able to hike up to 3 miles in steep mountain terrain
  • Must be comfortable with public speaking.
  • Knowledge of science and basic ecological concepts.
  • This position will mostly work outside and will provide leadership to youth so it is important to have a positive attitude that helps set the tone for fun and exploration.
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, found through the external application link on Handshake.
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 Eastern Member Coordinator, Madison Douthitt at mdouthitt@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.