ACE: Interpretation and Education Position, Lava Beds National Monument @ American Conservation Experience
ACE: Interpretation and Education Position, Lava Beds National Monument
Description
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service at Lava Beds National Monument is seeking a candidate to fill an Interpretation and Education Position for 14 weeks in support of the National Park Service. This position emphasizes creating and providing interpretive programs on the cultural and natural resources of Lava Beds. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks and has a strong interest in a career in cultural resource management and interpretation.
Start Date: May 25, 2020
End Date: 14 weeks from the start date*
* A 1 4-week commitment is required
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Location: Lava Beds National Monument, CA.
Lava Beds is located in remote northeastern California and sits on the slope of the largest volcano in the Cascade Ranger District. The high desert landscape converts into a ponderosa pine forest along the south boundary. Under the sagebrush landscape, you'll find lava flows, and over 800 lava tube caves. In addition to its outstanding geological features, the monument encompasses the main battlefields of the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the only major Indian war fought in California.
On-site housing will be provided at the Lava Beds located 22 miles from the nearest town of Tulelake, where you can secure fuel and basic grocery necessities. There are three restaurant options either in or near Tulelake. About an hour north you can also access Klamath Falls (this is where you will want to do most of your shopping). You'll find lots of shopping options for groceries and other basic needs, and well as several restaurant options and entertainment options.
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding Lava Beds NM, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm. For more information on the ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Compensation: The ACE Member will serve 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $200/week for food and incidental expenses. NPS housing will be provided at Lava Beds National Monument.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,612.43) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Project Background : Lava Beds National Monument is full of geological locations, caves and other amazing natural resources that we work to protect and educate the public about. It also has rich cultural history that includes the Modoc people and the Modoc War of 1872-1873. A major goal of the position will be providing accurate interpretation and education to visitors and school groups on the natural and cultural resources in park.
Position Description: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental duties performed by Interpretation Member are:
Resource Interpretation Interpreting the significance and uniqueness of park resources, conservation, and ecologically sound practices and the laws, rules, and regulations developed to protect park resources and provide for their safe and non-consumptive use.
Resource Protection Preserving the natural and cultural resources of the park by preventing degradation of ecosystems, historical structures and artifacts and by preventing the loss and theft of objects, flora, and fauna through information and education. Of particular importance is educating the public on White-nose Syndrome and how to help prevent introduction of the disease into the cave system, thus impacting bat populations of the Monument.
ACE Members serve primarily within the Interpretation division, interpreting the Monument's incredible natural, cultural and historical resources to park visitors and school groups. The member will primarily be serving at the visitor center and throughout the park at key visitor use locations. They will staff the visitor center front desk, where they will be responsible for providing accurate information about the park and surrounding area to visitors. They will also be responsible for relaying safety information to visitors and screening for White-nose Syndrome (WNS).
Projects include developing new interpretive programs, maintaining program statistics, and creating visual aids. ACE Members will also learn and present pre-developed curriculum education programs to school groups. They will also assist with special events and serve on independent projects as needed. The Member will also research and create a cave tour, talk and evening campfire program to present to general visitors.
The ACE Member will serve the NPS LABE mission by enthusiastically serving to fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Develop and give interpretive programs to general visitors
- Provide outreach education programs to pre-K through middle school aged students
- Program preparation, lesson revision, lesson development, related activities
- Screening visitors for WNS
- Riding in and driving government vehicles
- Assistance with office projects and park emergencies
- Member will wear the ACE and/or park polo shirt (provided) and natural toned pants, hiking boot/shoe and belt as their uniform.
Training: The ACE Member will receive training in park resource knowledge, delivery of curriculum-based programs, development of interpretive programs, report writing, and other position related skills, as well as safety training and oversight. 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. The NPS Education Specialist also provides coaching throughout the position, allowing members the chance for continuous improvement. Driving training will be provided on how to operate electric vehicles, and a 3-4 hour online defensive driving training is offered.
Physical Demands: This position is high energy and can be stressful, due to the volume of contacts. The position may require driving in rain, snow, on icy roads, before sunrise, and after sunset. It requires projects with all ages of children, in any educational setting, as well as with teachers, aids, and parents. The position requires walking up to four miles over uneven terrain at elevation while leading educational groups. Occasional days may exceed 8 hours.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental education, interpretation, cave sciences, biology, natural resource management, park management, or a related discipline.
Requirements:
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS
- Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to serve alone and in a group
- Personal vehicle strongly recommended so you can access Tulelake or Klamath Falls
- Deep interest in history, research and respect for nature is critical
- Must be able and willing to serve outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor
- Must be 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
- Proficient in English
- Must be between the ages of 21 to 30 (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
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request)
- Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check
Preferred:
- Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation;
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of cultural resources;
- Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills;
- Excellent public speaking skills;
- Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome - Spanish, Chinese, and French are especially useful in this park.
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. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, 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 ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Jen Wells at jwells@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.
Location
Tulelake, CA, USA
Category
Posted
2020-03-18 00:00