ACE: Interpretation Member - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Interpretation Member to assist Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's well-established summer day camp program partnered with nonprofit organizations and the YMCA. Secondarily the member would support and assist with programs presented to the general public. The ACE member would develop environmental education and interpretive programs under the direction of park staff and would lead these programs throughout the course of the summer.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: June 14, 2021

End Date: September 4, 2021

* A 12-week commitment is required *

Location: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Atlanta, GA.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is "an ancient river in a modern city," and offers many opportunities to get outdoors, including hiking, rafting, and fishing. Atlanta is Georgia's largest city and capital, and can boast itself as a thriving business and entertainment center with an eclectic mix of residents back dropped by a city with southern roots.

Project Partner Website: For more information regarding Chattahoochee, please visit the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $250/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: The ACE Member will be accommodated in dormitory-style housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of ($1,638.89) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service is required.

Position Description: The purpose of this position is to provide a fulfilling experience for the member, whereby they gain a greater knowledge of the park and its resources and learns of various employment opportunities within the NPS and conservation careers. The ACE member will increase our park presence during the camps so that the youth and non-profit partners have routine interactions with a representative of the National Park Service, and specifically, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

As a result of this experience, the member would have gained additional program facilitation skills, knowledge of environmental education/interpretation best practices, group management experience, public speaking skills, and an opportunity to connect Atlanta's urban and underserved youth to a national park and the first National Water Trail. The position both promotes understanding and awareness of fragile park resources as well as promoting environmental education through direct stewardship activities.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Develop environmental education/interpretive programs (a minimum of 3 lessons/activities), under the direction of park staff.
• Lead various programs throughout the course of the summer camps.
• Participate in creating and leading interpretive programs to the community at large.

Training: This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups. The ACE member will be required to complete training on interpretation, Leave No Trace, river rafting, and education facilitation techniques about park resources. The park will provide safety training, interpretation, ethics, first aid, CPR, education, program facilitation, river rafting, and social media and marketing support.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Willing and able to represent ACE and NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• This position is funded through the Public Land Corps Act which has specific program requirements.
  • Must be 21-30 years of age to apply (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.
• US 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 required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences

Preferred:

• Experience working with youth

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 your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, 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 Member Coordinator, Bianca Wahkinney at bwahkinney@usaconservation.org.

EEO: 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.