Public Outreach Technicians - Death Valley National Park

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit youth conservation corps, in partnership with the National Park Service at Death Valley National Park, located in eastern California, is recruiting for 4 individuals interested in serving as Public Outreach & Communication Technicians lasting 32 weeks and 1 individual interested in serving as the Team Lead for 32 weeks with the National Park Service. ACE Members will work with the NPS staff to facilitate the mission of the National Park Service by protecting resources and enhancing visitor enjoyment by providing orientation and information about Death Valley NP to the visiting public.

This opportunity is ideal for enthusiastic, young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in education, cultural and natural resources, interpretation, and outreach through hard work and commitment to the rich and unique natural and cultural resources of the National Park Service.

Start Date: Late May 2020 (flexible for the right candidates)

End Date:  32 weeks from start date

Location: At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states with over 90% designated Wilderness. Hundreds of miles of dirt roads offer opportunities for four-wheel driving and backcountry hiking. The dark skies in Death Valley are some of the best in the country.  It has earned the distinction of being a gold tier international dark sky park.  

While there are some concessions within the park such as restaurants and general stores, Death Valley is considered to be quite remote, and the nearest grocery store and hospitals are located about 60 miles away in Pahrump. Las Vegas is the nearest metropolitan town and is located about 120 miles away and is about a two-hour drive from the housing area at Cow Creek. There is also incredible access to the Eastern Sierras-Lone Pine is a two-hour drive and Death Valley is located within a day's drive of Joshua Tree, Zion, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and much more!

Project Website: Death Valley is located in eastern California. To learn more about the park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm. To learn more about the ACE EPIC program, please visit www.usaconservation.org.

Compensation: The Public Outreach & Communication Technician Team members will receive a living allowance of $450/week. The Team lead will receive an allowance of $550/week. These allowances will be dispersed bi-weekly for food and incidentals.

Housing: Housing is provided at no cost to the members at Cow Creek which is near the main visitor center at Furnace Creek. Housing is provided in either a shared house or dormitory. Both facilities are located at the Cow Creek area of Death Valley National Park, which is three miles from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The living room is furnished with a couch, loveseat, coffee table, end tables, and television. The kitchen has a table, pots, pans, utensils, dishes, coffee pot, toaster, microwave, oven/stove, and refrigerator. Washer and dryer are also provided. The bedroom is equipped with a bed, dresser, lamps, and closet. Past interns have advised packing as one would for college, bringing necessary clothing, towels, bedding, computer, camera, and personal items. There is also an outdoor pool and work-out facility available for year-round use. There is limited Wi-Fi at Death Valley, so connectivity is challenging. Wi-Fi is available at a cost at the Furnace Creek Ranch. Cell-service can be found in portions of the park, but at housing is generally quite limited. 

Position Description: ACE Members will offer educational programs to local community members and the public on natural and historic resource topics. They will be developing educational programs, content, and working to improve recreational access and safety for park visitors. The goal of these programs and education will be to increase the visiting public's understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational, and other aspects of Death Valley NP.

This position will introduce members to as many new work experiences as possible, including interpretation, special events, and environmental education, providing a "real-world" or hands-on experience outside the classroom by preparing and presenting information about Death Valley to the visiting public.  

Qualifications: Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in interpretation, biological sciences, environmental studies and science, education, park management, anthropology, archaeology, or a related discipline. The member will be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group. 

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, found by clicking the external application link on Handshake. 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 (973) 294-2766 or 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.