Interpretation Member - Great Smoky Mountains (Sugarlands) – AmeriCorps Eligible
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) is seeking ONE Interpretation Member to support of the National Park Service in implementing and delivering interpretive programming to park visitors.
Start Date: February 28, 2021 (may be flexible by a week for the right candidate)
End Date: June 19, 2021 (or 16 weeks from the start date)
* A 16-week minimum commitment is required *
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based out of Sugarlands Visitor Center, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 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.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $200/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: The ACE member will be accommodated in shared park housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
Cell phone reception is not always reliable and personal vehicle required due to the site being remote with no reliable public transportation. The Member will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour ($1,612.43) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Position Description:
In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the fundamental service performed by the Interpretation Member is to:
Resource Education- Educate visitors 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. Through place-based learning, visitors make real-world connections with science and history as they explore our National Parks!
The 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.
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%)
Conduct basic research of topics for the purpose of developing and presenting interpretative programs, both orally and/or in writing. Present a variety of formal and informal programs including orientation talks, environmental education programs, conducted walks, demonstrations, and evening programs.
Inform visitors about park facilities and resources. Duties are performed on or off-site at locations designated by the park, including visitor centers, campgrounds, historical sites, etc. Learn park resources by reviewed published maps, park research materials, and other documents previously prepared by park rangers and other professionals and by talking with park staff. Provide assistance in connection with one-time or annual celebrations related to programs and themes of the park and assists with special events.
Other collateral duties may be assigned including the research and development of social media posts, virtual programs, educational videoclips, interpretive signage, displays, and website design, etc.
Training Provided: The Member will receive training in park resource knowledge, delivery of audience-centered/curriculum-based programs, report writing, and other position related skills, as well as safety training and oversight.
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.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization 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 18-30 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).
- A personal vehicle.
- Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
- Candidate is anticipated to have recurring access to vulnerable populations during this position.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
- 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.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for the position could 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.
- Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation.
- 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.
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 Eastern Member Coordinator, Madison Douthitt at mdouthitt@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.