ACE EPIC NPS NC: Great Smoky Mountains (Oconaluftee) - Interpretation Internship - AmeriCorps
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) is seeking ONE Interpretive Member interested in dedicating 12 weeks in support of the National Park Service in implementing and delivering interpretive programming to park visitors.
This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in natural resource management, history and education.
Start Date: September 29, 2019
End Date: December 21, 2019 (or 12 weeks from start date)
* A 12 week minimum commitment is required and the member will be working the week of Thanksgiving.*
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 regarding the ACE's Emerging Internship Corps (EPIC), please visit usaconservation.org.
Compensation: The ACE Member will contribute 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $165/week. Shared housing will be provided by NPS. Cell phone reception is not always reliable and a personal vehicle is required due to the site being remote and no reliable public transportation. The Member will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450 hour ($1566.14) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Position Description: Great Smoky Mountains NP has a long-standing curriculum-based education program. The Parks as Classrooms (PAC) program offers nationally recognized K-12 inquiry-based education programs for students to help them achieve academically and to inspire in them a sense of stewardship in national parks and their communities.
In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental service performed by Interpretation Member is:
Resource Education- Educating area children, teachers and parents about 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.
This will be achieved through the delivery of interpretation programs. The park programs enhance classroom or static learning by using the cultural and natural resources as teaching tools. Through place-based learning, visitors make real-world connections with science and history as they explore our National Parks!
Interpretation Member participates closely with National Park rangers to design, deliver and evaluate programs in the park, and in the classroom. Projects include developing new materials, maintaining program statistics, and creating visual aids.
Lessons are guided by North Carolina state and national standards and emphasize science and cultural and history education. Lessons and field trips are provided at no cost to schools or teachers. The NPS Education Specialist also provides coaching throughout the term, allowing members the chance for continuous improvement.
The Member will serve the NPS Great Smoky Mountains' mission by enthusiastically working to fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Provide and deliver interpretation programs (70%)
- Developing and researching program elements (presentation revision, material development) (20%)
- Working within and assisting other park divisions and projects (10%)
Training Provided: The Member will receive training in park resource knowledge, delivery of curriculum-based 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.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental education, interpretation, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline. The Member will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to serve comfortably alone or in a group. The ACE NPS GRSM Interpretive Member must be willing and able to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
Required:
- Must be a US Citizens or Permanent Resident.
- Must be 18-35 years of age.
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within NPS.
- Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to work alone and in a group.
- Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required.
- Deep interest in ecology, education, and natural and cultural history.
- Enthusiastic about working with students in grades K-8
- Knowledge of, or willing to research and learn about the natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachians
- Must be able and willing to participate outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
- English proficiency is imperative.
- Candidate is anticipated to have recurring access to vulnerable populations during this position.
- Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
Preferred:
- Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation.
- Familiarity with the National Park Service
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
- Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
- Excellent public speaking skills.
- Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.
The Member must be willing to represent ACE and the NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
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.
To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website. Handshake will redirect applicants to our external application system.
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 Recruitment Specialist, Madison Douthitt, (828) 329-4793, mdouthitt@usaconservation.org