Interpretation and Education Member - Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Interpretation and Education Member to contribute to education and interpretation projects alongside Hopewell Culture Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: 08/13/2023
Estimated End Date: 11/25/2023
*a 15 minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park - Chillicothe, OH
At HOCU, you'll find earthen mounds and embankments forming huge geometric enclosures that grace the landscape of the Ohio River Valley. These monumental structures were built by Native American hands almost 2,000 years ago. Hopewellian people gathered at these earthworks for feasts, funerals and rites of passage. Almost everyone who studies the Hopewell culture has an "I didn't know that" story about when they first learned about the special and intriguing culture that developed in this region. The park also has an active archeology program which produces even more understanding of this fascinating and yet little recognized culture. This is a story that needs wider recognition. Every American should learn about the amazing accomplishments of the Native American inhabitants of south and central Ohio 2,000 years ago.
For more information about Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, please visit http://www.nps.gov/hocu/index.htm.
Position Overview: ACE Member will offer interpretive and educational programs to the public through in-person and digital formats on natural and cultural resource topics. The objective of these programs will be to increase the visiting public's understanding of natural, cultural, historic and other aspects of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
The Member will learn how to interact with the public, to run pre-existing programs, and to make personal interpretive programs. Interaction with the public at HOCU helps foster a sense of appreciation in the public for HOCU's cultural and natural resources. By inspiring greater understanding of these unique resources, the ACE Member can help achieve HOCU's goal of protecting and preserving fragile earthwork sites for all Americans to enjoy.
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: Thursday through Monday, 8:00 am - 4:30pm. Days off would be Tuesday and Wednesday.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $450/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hours.
Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. 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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the National Park Service.
Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $65 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
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.
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.
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
- 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.
- The Member 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 in museum studies, art history, history, education, interpretation, biology, environmental studies and science, park management, anthropology and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as education and interpretation, museums, or park management.
- Knowledge of history and environmental science.
- Interest in and ability to work with the public and children of all ages.
- Bilingual applicants encouraged.
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 walk throughout the historical park.
- 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 10 lbs., ability to move up to 25 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. 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 does not require unique 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. Hazard specifics should be provided on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Partner site.
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 Member Support Specialist, Kyle Ellison at kellison@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.