Interpretation Member - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Sugarlands)

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO Interpretation Members to contribute to implementing and delivering interpretive programming to park visitors alongside Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) staff. This position will also involve answering visitor questions at Sugarlands Visitor Center.

For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1000446.html 

Start Date: One member will start August 28, 2023 and one member will start in September 18, 2023 (some flexibility available for the right candidate)

Estimated End Date: 17 weeks from the anticipated start date

*a 17-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: 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.

For more information regarding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.

Position Overview: In support of the mission of the National Park Service, the primary duties of the Interpretation Member will include:

• 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 and answering visitor questions in the Sugarlands Visitor Center. 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. Projects include developing new materials, maintaining program statistics, and creating visual aids.

The member will 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.

A main duty of this position will be to 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. The Member will learn park resources by reviewing published maps, park research materials, and other documents previously prepared by park rangers and other professionals and by talking with park staff. The Member may also 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 videos, interpretive signage, displays, and website design, etc.

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.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. 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.

Schedule:

Works 5 days per week (8-hour days), from 8:45 a.m. - 5: 15 p.m. (40 hours weekly)

OR

Works one week, 5 days per week, 9 hour days 7:45-5:15 p.m. (45 hours, 2 days off) and works second week, 3 (9-hour) days, and 1 (8-hour) day (35 hours) with 3 days off.

The park is open 7-days/week, including holidays. Days off will be consecutive days off.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be US citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with 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).
• A personal vehicle.
• Willing to undergo and must pass required three-part criminal history checks.
• 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 have effective communication skills with diverse audiences.
• 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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for the position may 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.

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 5 lbs., ability to move up to 30 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• 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 the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1000446.html 

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 NPS Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, Shannon Borowy, at sborowy@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