ACE EPIC NPS CA: Channel Islands National Park: Islands Preservation, Maintenance, & Interpretation Internship
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking 1 Intern 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: Early September, 2019
End Date: 40 weeks from start date
* A minimum 40-week commitment is required *
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 TTAP, please visit (go.nps.gov/ttap). For more information about site name, visit www.nps.gov/chis.
Compensation: ACE Intern 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.
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. Projects will require work leader to provide oversight and direction in the use of minor skills in carpentry, painting, plumbing, landscape and orchard maintenance, and fence repair.
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 the supervisor, or from other park staff assigned by the supervisor. 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:
· Intern 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.
· The intern will work with the park Volunteer Coordinator to recruit volunteers for the preservation work on the island.
· Intern will help coordinate and lead group trips to the islands with local volunteers approximately three times per month. Intern will support staff and work leaders in orienting the preservation volunteers to the island and training and overseeing the volunteers in restoration activities.
· Intern will provide assistance in the logistical planning for the volunteer programming. This may include creating an online calendar, working with park’s preservationists to set up work plans, and coordinating with group leaders to ensure their participants are aware of all requirements prior to the trip.
· Intern will 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.
· Intern 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.
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:
· Must have previous experience or training in the construction trades.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
· Must be 21-30 years of age
o A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request)
- Ability to work alone and in a group
- Proficient in English
- Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
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
- 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
- Have positive attitude
- Have ability to communicate effectively
- Have a professional and respectful manner and works well within a team
ACE Interns must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/358631.html
NOTE: 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, Dave Hecker at 801.386.1629 or dhecker@usaconservation.org.