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Preservation, Maintenance, & Interpretation Position, Channel Islands National Park - AmeriCorps Eligible

American Conservation Experience
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Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Member to work directly with the Channel Islands (CHIS) Preservationist on preservation maintenance projects.
These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic individuals with a background in construction trades who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of historic preservation trades, volunteer management, and visitor outreach.
Start Date: July 2020      
End Date: 40 weeks from start date       
* A minimum 40-week commitment is required. All start dates are currently tentative with COVID-19 mitigation measures in place. *
Location: The position is based in Ventura, California and work projects will be located in Channel Islands National Park (offshore from Ventura).
Project Website: For more information about site name, visit www.nps.gov/chis.
For more information regarding the ACE Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Compensation: ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $350/week to cover the costs of food, lodging, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Park housing may be available for a nominal fee. As this is TBD, local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 1200-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($4,266.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Position Description: The member will assist park maintenance or preservation staff with building maintenance projects to preserve historic sites in the national park. These projects include: general building maintenance, building stabilization, and equipment maintenance. Specific projects will involve carpentry repairs to historic wood structures and concrete repair on historic buildings located in Channel Islands National Park.
Project Conditions: Projects at Channel Islands National Park will be performed in a remote island setting. The member will be required to travel within the park. Travel to the islands will be via park or concessionaire boat or by plane. The member may be subjected to inclement weather, rough seas, high winds and if susceptible, motion sickness.
Island temperatures range from approximately 40-85 degrees. Work projects can be in uneven terrain and on steep slopes. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn particular to work project. Personal protective equipment will be provided by the park.
The member will be using a variety of hand tools and power tools. Hard physical labor is expected and the member should be able to lift at least 20-30 pounds.
Every member should always determine their personal skills and abilities pertaining to their assigned tasks. Every worker has the responsibility to themselves and their co-workers to work within safe limits.
The member will stay in assigned park housing when accomplishing work on Channel Islands.
Training: The member will receive training for specific job duties as needed by their park counterparts, in fields such as window and concrete repair, as well as proper tool use. Safety issues and concerns will be addressed to inform and train the member regarding important skills necessary to the nature of the job. The member will receive an orientation and safety briefing about the park, the project, and the boat, plane, or helicopter. The participant must realize their own abilities and accept full responsibility for working safely.
Equipment: All project equipment and tools will be provided. The participant will be responsible for wearing appropriate attire including sturdy work boots. The member will bring their own food and water. All personal protective equipment will be provided. 
Safety: Safety is a part of each work day; no job is so urgent that it cannot be done safely. You will receive a thorough orientation and will be trained on how to safely perform assigned work, including the operation and use of any equipment.
Boating: All persons traveling on NPS boats must complete a boating self-assessment annually, watch the online boating safety videos and thoroughly read the Boat Transportation Guide. Each transportation morning, the member must arrive at least 45 minutes early to check in and attend the Captain's safety briefing. Captains have the right to prevent any individual or group from boarding or leaving the vessel. Failure to follow a direct order from the Captain or designated crew will result in suspension for the individual or group from traveling on park boats.
Specific Project Background and Objectives: 
  • Primarily, the ACE Member will participate in weekly trips to the islands to work alongside park's preservationists in an effort to gain a better understanding of methods for preservation and rehabilitation of culturally significant buildings and landscapes.
  • ACE Members will also be asked to take photos and draft social media posts to be shared with the community to promote the program and to engage the public in the park's volunteer program and preservation efforts.
  • Member will participate in the planning and implementation of community outreach events, where they will share the successes of the program and encourage community members to visit their local national park. This includes visitor information, orientation services, public education, and interpretive presentations. These events may include the Ventura County Fair, Santa Barbara Earth Day, Oxnard Earth Day, and career days at local high schools.
  • As opportunities arise, the ACE Member will also help coordinate and lead group trips to the islands with local volunteers. Member will support staff and work leaders in orientation, training, and oversite of the volunteers in restoration activities.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a minimum of a high school diploma and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as construction trades, use of hand and power tools.
Required:
  • Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, respectful 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, though Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply (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);
  • 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 of one or more trade practices, such as masonry, carpentry, roofing, and/or painting;
  • Familiarity with construction and craftsmanship;
  • Basic familiarity with common factors in deterioration of buildings and structures;
  • Ability and willingness oral and written instructions;
  • Ability to use and care for common hand tools and portable or stationary power tools associated with the trade (e.g., hammers, saws, drills, planers, etc.);
  • Deep interest in preserving history;
  • Strong desire to work with local community volunteers;
  • A career interest in building trade skills and/or historic preservation; 
  • Is comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions and at heights; 
  • Have a willingness to work hard and get dirty;
  • Have a serious attitude toward safety all day, every day;
  • Have the ability to think critically and creatively and communicate effectively.
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/435321.html
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, Mike Basovsky at mbasovsky@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.