Summer Education Assistant - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Start Date: May 12, 2025

Estimated End Date: August 1, 2025 (or 12 weeks after start date)

* A 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based out of Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, North Carolina.

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.

For more information regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit the parks website. 

Position Overview: The Summer Education Assistant will assist the High School Internship Coordinator with planning activity schedule, transportation, mentoring and supervising of up to 10 summer high school interns over the course of 12 weeks. The first 6 weeks of this Assistant Coordinator position will be spent doing preparation for the high schoolers to begin as well as assisting in other educational programs for summer schools and youth groups as needed. All programs are already developed and involve the students in nature-based activities or, in the case of older groups, collecting data for long-term monitoring citizen science projects (topics include salamanders, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, snails and plants). Members will co-teach with park rangers and might provide leadership to younger high school interns who occasionally assist with programs. The final 6 weeks will involve co-leading high school interns on their daily activities 4 days a week with one day for other priority duties.

This individual placement is designed to foster professional growth by providing practical experience in land management principles and techniques. The internship will offer opportunities to develop key skills, including [mentoring, leadership, data collection and analysis, project management, team management, public speaking, environmental education and more. Furthermore, this placement facilitates valuable networking opportunities with professionals in land management agencies, including shadowing NPS work groups to gain exposure to various conservation fields such as wildlife management, facilities management, environmental education, trail restoration, etc. 

Schedule: The member will contribute ~40 hours a week. Typical work days will be Monday through Friday, however occasional weekend service may be required. 

Qualifications: 

Required

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• 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.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.
• Public transportation is not available in the area so it is advisable to have a personal vehicle.
• Must be able to hike up to 3 miles in steep mountain terrain
• Must be comfortable driving a 6-12 passenger van with students in mountainous terrain.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Knowledge of science and basic ecological concepts.
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office calendar and Excel efficiently.
• This position will mostly work outside and will provide leadership to youth so it is important to have a positive attitude that helps set the tone for fun and exploration. 

Preferred Skills:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as environmental studies, anthropology, psychology, teaching, biology, outdoor recreation.
• Knowledge of mediating conflicts.
• Ability and willingness to mentor youth.
• Deep interest in flora and fauna of Great Smoky Mountains National Park educating youth, learning more about job opportunities in the federal sector.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for [use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to [stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good, and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. 

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications 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 Program Manager, Molly Nash.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.