NPS Resource Management Internship (AmeriCorps)

Resource Management Internship (AmeriCorps)- Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Only males will be considered for this position due to housing constraints at the Park

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is seeking one Resource Management Intern interested in dedicating 39-weeks in support of the National Park Service.  The Resource Management Intern will be responsible for working on a variety of ongoing projects conducted in the Park. 

This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional who is deeply committed to the preservation of our National Parks. Applicants must have strong interest in a career in natural resource management.

Start Date: March 3, 2014  (may be flexible for the right candidate)

End Date:  November 28, 2014

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A 39-week commitment is required

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Location:  The position is located at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park (CUGA).  The Park is located at the corners of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.  Carved by wind and water, Cumberland Gap forms a major break in the Appalachian Mountain chain.  Stretching for 26 miles along Cumberland Mountain and ranging from one to four miles in width, the Park contains 24,000 acres of which 14,000 acres are proposed wilderness. The natural beauty of Appalachian mountain country, lush with vegetation, supports diverse flora and fauna.  The Park has 70 miles of hiking trails, mountains, streams, and caves.

The Park is located near Middlesboro, Kentucky.  Middlesboro is large enough to accommodate three grocery stores, fast food, several restaurants, and a movie theater.  Knoxville, Tennessee is approximately 1.5 hours away and has all of the amenities of a larger city.

Project Partner Website:  For more information regarding Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm.For more information on the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org 

Compensation:  The ACE intern will work 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $250/week.  Park housing is provided at a rate of $150 per month.  The Intern will be provided with a one-time equipment allowance of $150 for the purchase of field boots.

Interns in this position are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award Program (EAP).  The EAP opportunity is for a 900-hour term of service with $2,775 awarded to the Corps member upon successful completion of the term.

Position Description:  The ACE intern will assist the Park's Resource Management staff in accomplishing a variety of tasks.  The intern will spend the majority of their time in the field performing physically demanding tasks as assigned. Approximately 75 - 80% of the fieldwork will be either Hemlock Woolly or Adelgid (HWA) control exotic plant control.

In order to perform Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) control, the ACE Intern must be willing to camp primitive in the backcountry for up to four nights at a time (sometimes two-to-three times a month). This work is performed off-trail and requires bushwhacking through rhododendron, mountain laurel, and greenbriar up-and-down steep slopes, crossing streams, carrying 2.5 gallon jugs of insecticide, measuring trees, applying chemical at the base of the tree, marking treated tree, and moving onto the next tree. This work is very physically demanding.

Exotic plant control at CUGA is almost always accomplished by spraying herbicides.  There are two primary methods of exotic plant control performed CUGA.  The first method involves foliar treatment with a backpack sprayer that carries two-three gallons of herbicide.  Foliar spraying large areas of exotic plants require Interns to carry this heavy load of herbicide, often in full sun, on slopes in difficult terrain.  The second method requires cutting down shrubs and small trees with hand tools and then spraying the stumps with concentrated herbicide solution.

The Intern will spend the remainder of their time performing other relevant tasks as assigned. Examples of other duties include water quality monitoring, wildlife surveys, and ginseng surveys.

The staff at CUGA is dedicated to providing Interns with diverse field experiences, while also providing guidance to develop professionalism and a solid understanding of the complexities of managing the resources of a National Historic Park.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree in a natural resource based curriculum or other related disciplines. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is alsoacceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the Position Description. We are seeking a determined, detail-oriented person who is looking for experience working with the National Park Service with an eye toward a career in Resource Management.

Required Qualifications:

• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
• Intern must be between the age of 18 and 25 (candidates who are 26-29 years old and have recently completed a relevant Master's Degree will be considered).
• A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request).
• A personal vehicle is required for the duration of the internship.
• Personal medical insurance is required for the duration of the internship.
• Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• Must be willing and able to perform the above fieldwork, especially the backcountry camping.
• Must be able and comfortable with navigating off trail by maps and GPS units in the mountains.
• Must be experienced and comfortable with backcountry camping for at least four nights at a time, possibly up to 2-3 times a month.
• Must be physically fit and able to backpack to off-trail backcountry campsites up to a mile away from a maintained trail. 
• Intern will be required to hike 5-10 miles per day while carrying up to 50 pounds of gear on uneven and steep terrain, on and off trail, bushwhacking in some cases through rhododendron, mountain laurel, and greenbriar.
• Must be a mature and responsible individual.
• Must be willing and able to work in all weather conditions, from 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity in full sun to freezing temps. in winter.
• Must be willing to use herbicides and insecticides and pass the Kentucky pesticide certification test to apply pesticides in forestry situations.
• Must be able to work in small a group setting, performing difficult work, while keeping a positive attitude.

Requested Qualifications:

• The NPS is interested in recruiting from a diverse group of candidates.
• Knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural and cultural resources; for example, range, wildlife, soil, water, and minerals is desired.
• Ability to communicate clearly with peer professionals and volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary group in a knowledgeable and accurate manner.
• Ability to identification plants on sight or by using a dichotomous key.
• Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a Natural Resources professional.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and three professional/academic references to: http://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/2647.html  

Should you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC Internship Program Manager  at (801) 946-5379 or intern@usaconservation.org