Aquatic Resources Member - New River Gorge National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NERI), is seeking ONE AQUATIC RESOURCES MEMBER to work directly alongside NERI Natural Resource Management staff to assist with water quality monitoring, laboratory analyses, collection of dragonfly nymphs for mercury analysis, data management, and occasional opportunities to assist with collection of benthic macroinvertebrates and fish.

For more information about ACE, please visit: http://www.usaconservation.org/.

Start Date: May 8, 2023

Estimated End Date: October 6, 2023 (or 22 weeks after start date)

* A 22-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description : New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Glen Jean, West Virginia. 

NERI is located in southern West Virginia and encompasses 70,000 acres and 53 miles of one of the oldest rivers on the continent. NERI is home to a vast array of natural and cultural resources. Renowned for its recreational opportunities, NERI hosts miles of hiking and biking trails, premiere whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping. 

Park staff also manages the nearby Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE) and Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI). BLUE protects 10.5 miles of free-flowing river and offers a rich variety of natural resources and history along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. GARI protects 25 miles of the Gauley River and 6 miles of Meadow River. Known for its multiple class V rapids, GARI is one of the most adventurous rivers in the east. 

For more information about the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, please visit their website at: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm. 

Position Overview: The ACE Member will learn about natural resource management issues through interactive experiences and assignments at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. The Member will assist Natural Resource Management staff and partners with water quality field monitoring, laboratory analyses, and data management, as well as monitoring aquatic organisms. The Member will interact with the public and share information on park resources and issues, including challenges such as water pollution. 

Training: Cross training opportunities are encouraged and could include bird netting, invasive species management, vegetation management, native seed collection, GIS, trail maintenance, interpretation, and public education.

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.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-4:30 (30-minute lunch break)

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $475/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023 grant year program, valued up to $2,474.27 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675hrs. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps Members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required. 

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. 

Housing: IF housing is available, ACE Members may be accommodated in provided housing at $325.40/month for the duration of the term. If a room is not available, housing will be the responsibility of the Member and not provided by ACE or NPS. 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE Member will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. See "Position Overview" section for provided position specific training.

Qualifications

Required:

Member 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).

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.

ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.

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 this position can hold or be pursuing a degree and/or have relevant experience in aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, environmental science, natural resource management, conservation biology, hydrology, or related discipline.

Experience with field data collection and laboratory procedures or willingness to learn.

Ability and willingness to safely follow procedures used in the field

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. Ability to hike over rough terrain and navigate field conditions.

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 45 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 does not require unique travel. It will involve traveling to different sections of the park.

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/Member 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/. 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 NPS Recruitment & Outreach Specialist, Emanuel Aragon Cruz, at ecruz@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.