Restoration and Conservation Member, Kings Mountain National Park, AmeriCorps Eligible
APPLY THROUGH EXTERNAL LINK. RESUME AND COVER LETTER MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION.
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Southeast Coast Invasive Plant Management Team (SEC-IPMT) is seeking ONE Restoration and Conservation Member interested in dedicating 24-weeks in support of the National Park Service. The Member will focus on enhancing and expanding Georgia aster habitat within Kings Mountain National Military Park (KIMO).
This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks!
Start Date: June 15, 2020
End Date: November 29, 2020 (or 24 weeks from start date)
*A 24-week commitment is required*
Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park, the "turning point" of the Revolutionary War in the South, where on October 7, 1780, an hour-long battle changed the course of the Revolutionary War. Kings Mountain National Military Park includes 4000 acres of land which hosts a wide variety of plant and animal life. For more information: https://www.nps.gov/kimo/index.htm
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding Kings Mountain National Military Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/kimo/index.htm
For more information about the American Conservation Experience, please visit: http://www.usaconservation.org/
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week for food, housing, and incidentals. Park housing may be available, if so the member would be responsible for paying $400 a month for rent.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of ($3,047.50) upon successful completion of internship hours. Additional enrollment is required for this benefit
900 hour members are also eligible for preferential hiring status following their term of service. Corps Members who have served a minimum of 640 hours on appropriate public land projects may qualify for Public Land Corps non-competitive hiring status.
Position Description: Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) is listed as a threatened plant species in North Carolina, and is a species of concern at KIMO. This project aims to secure the future of the Georgia aster by: improving existing and potential habitat through prescribed fire, selective thinning of woody vegetation, and exotic plant species management; and propagating Georgia aster for augmenting existing populations and for reintroducing it into suitable, restored habitats.
Projects will include:
- Assisting the Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team in restoration activities
- Controlling non-native plants using both manual and chemical methods
- Performing distribution mapping of non-native plants using GPS; collecting and reporting project data
- Assisting with additional resource management field and data management projects
Intern will potentially receive the following training: wildland fire, chainsaw and brushcutter use, herbicide safety and handling, truck, trailer, and UTV driving, hand tool use.
Qualifications: The program is interested in applicants with a passion for native plant restoration who possess leadership ability, patience, and an intense work ethic.
Required:
- Hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, biology, ecology, or a related field. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable.
- US Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Must be 21-35 years of age (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.)
- Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record is required (documentation to be provided upon request).
- A personal vehicle is required for the duration of the internship for personal use on off days.
- Must be willing and able to perform the above field projects.
- Must be physically fit and able to hike while carrying up to 40 pounds of gear on uneven and steep terrain, on and off trail, in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to work in poison ivy infested landscapes.
- Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Preferred:
- Experience with invasive plant management or restoration.
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural resources.
- Experience using GPS and GIS software.
- Able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with NPS resource professionals and their partners.
To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with contact information for 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our website, found through the external application link on Handshake.
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This posting may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC NPS Recruitment Specialist, Madison Douthitt at (828) 329-4793 or mdouthitt@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.