Address
Form of workSummary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO Bat Education Members to contribute to interpretation, education, and outreach efforts regarding bat conservation at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Bat Education Members will lead cave tours, educate the public about bat conservation, and assist with interpretive programs about bats.
For more information about ACE, please visit: .
Start Date: April 22nd, 2024
Estimated End Date: October 18th, 2024 (or 26 weeks after start date)
* A 26-week minimum commitment is required*
Location Details/Description: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Middlesboro, KY
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located at the junction of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This position is stationed in the KY headquarters of the park located in Middlesboro, KY. Middlesboro (population 10,000) is large enough to accommodate three grocery stores, fast food, several restaurants, and a movie theater. It lies at the Kentucky border opposite Harrogate, TN, which is home to Lincoln Memorial University. Middlesboro is just 1.5 - 2 hours' drive from Knoxville, TN (population 192,000) and Lexington, KY (population 322,000), which have many amenities.
For more information regarding Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, or the National Park Service, please visit:
Position Overview: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park contains 24,000 acres, 14,000 of which are recommended wilderness. Carved by wind and water, the Gap forms one of the few breaks in the formidable Appalachian Mountain chain. For centuries, the Gap was a key geological "gateway" for safely crossing the mountains. Bison, Indigenous Peoples, European explorers, long hunters, early American settlers, and even motorists crossed through Cumberland Gap to reach lands and resources on the other side.
Lush with vegetation and habitat that supports diverse flora and fauna, Cumberland Gap has 85 miles of hiking trails, mountains, streams, and limestone caves. The Park provides habitat for up to 12 bat species, including two federally endangered species, the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). Populations of these and other bat species have plummeted in recent years primarily due to white-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bats during hibernation. Discovered in 2006, white-nose syndrome has spread rapidly across the country and killed millions of bats. At some sites, 90 to 100% of bats have died.
The ACE Members will work with other Park staff to develop, implement, and deliver Bat Education programs to the public. They will be primary guides for the park's cave tours and night hikes, create social media content, plan and coordinate Bat Week events, and develop interpretive materials and activities focused on bats and bat conservation. These programs and materials will teach the importance of bats, the value of bats to the ecosystem, and the threat of WNS to bat populations.
Specific projects will include but are not limited to:
Fieldwork for this opportunity requires willingness to work in all types of weather conditions, hiking up to 5 miles per day, hiking at night, and working in a cave setting. The ACE Member must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
The staff at Cumberland Gap is dedicated to providing Members with diverse field experiences and career development opportunities, while also providing guidance to develop professionalism and a solid understanding of the complexities of managing the resources of a National Historical Park.
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 am - 4:30 pm
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $3,447.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term.
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 childcare 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 .
Housing: IF there is room in the NPS dormitory, it will be available for rent to the ACE Member. The member may opt out of NPS housing in favor of their own rental location.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes shoes, clothing, or other equipment, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
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:
Preferred:
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, narrow or steep cave features, 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 partner 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: .Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this p osition, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Program Manager, Molly Nash at .
EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO Bat Education Members to contribute to interpretation, education, and outreach efforts regarding bat conservation at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Bat Education Members will lead cave tours, educate the public about bat conservation, and assist with interpretive programs about bats.
For more information about ACE, please visit: .
Start Date: April 22nd, 2024
Estimated End Date: October 18th, 2024 (or 26 weeks after start date)
* A 26-week minimum commitment is required*
Location Details/Description: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Middlesboro, KY
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located at the junction of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This position is stationed in the KY headquarters of the park located in Middlesboro, KY. Middlesboro (population 10,000) is large enough to accommodate three grocery stores, fast food, several restaurants, and a movie theater. It lies at the Kentucky border opposite Harrogate, TN, which is home to Lincoln Memorial University. Middlesboro is just 1.5 - 2 hours' drive from Knoxville, TN (population 192,000) and Lexington, KY (population 322,000), which have many amenities.
For more information regarding Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, or the National Park Service, please visit:
Position Overview: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park contains 24,000 acres, 14,000 of which are recommended wilderness. Carved by wind and water, the Gap forms one of the few breaks in the formidable Appalachian Mountain chain. For centuries, the Gap was a key geological "gateway" for safely crossing the mountains. Bison, Indigenous Peoples, European explorers, long hunters, early American settlers, and even motorists crossed through Cumberland Gap to reach lands and resources on the other side.
Lush with vegetation and habitat that supports diverse flora and fauna, Cumberland Gap has 85 miles of hiking trails, mountains, streams, and limestone caves. The Park provides habitat for up to 12 bat species, including two federally endangered species, the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). Populations of these and other bat species have plummeted in recent years primarily due to white-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bats during hibernation. Discovered in 2006, white-nose syndrome has spread rapidly across the country and killed millions of bats. At some sites, 90 to 100% of bats have died.
The ACE Members will work with other Park staff to develop, implement, and deliver Bat Education programs to the public. They will be primary guides for the park's cave tours and night hikes, create social media content, plan and coordinate Bat Week events, and develop interpretive materials and activities focused on bats and bat conservation. These programs and materials will teach the importance of bats, the value of bats to the ecosystem, and the threat of WNS to bat populations.
Specific projects will include but are not limited to:
- Presenting interpretive cave tours and educational cave programs, with special emphasis on bats and WNS, to school groups and park visitors
- Ensuring decontamination of shoes after cave tours and programs to reduce the risk of spreading WNS
- Creating and/or presenting interpretive pop-up programs about bats and WNS on and off site
- Leading Night Hike programs that include information about bats and their importance
- Presenting educational programs about bats and WNS on and off site
- Creating fun and educational activities, crafts, and/or interpretive materials about bats for Bat Week and the Junior Ranger program
- Working with other park staff to plan, promote, and coordinate special events and activities for Bat Week
- Writing social media content about bats and WNS
- Assisting with other special events and programs
- Assisting with staffing the visitor center front desk
Fieldwork for this opportunity requires willingness to work in all types of weather conditions, hiking up to 5 miles per day, hiking at night, and working in a cave setting. The ACE Member must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
The staff at Cumberland Gap is dedicated to providing Members with diverse field experiences and career development opportunities, while also providing guidance to develop professionalism and a solid understanding of the complexities of managing the resources of a National Historical Park.
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 am - 4:30 pm
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $3,447.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term.
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 childcare 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 .
Housing: IF there is room in the NPS dormitory, it will be available for rent to the ACE Member. The member may opt out of NPS housing in favor of their own rental location.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes shoes, clothing, or other equipment, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
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.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- 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: .
- A personal vehicle is required for the duration of the position for personal transportation.
- Must be able and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
- Must have effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work alone and in a group; ability to interact courteously and professionally with peers, supervisors, and visitors of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and other characteristics.
Preferred:
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience in environmental education, interpretation, cave sciences, biological sciences, natural resource management, education, park management, or a related discipline.
- Deep interest in ecology, history, caving, and respect for nature is critical.
- This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic individual who is deeply committed to the preservation of our National Parks.
- Interest in a career in conservation and education.
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. Required to navigate caves that include narrow passages and steep ledges.
- 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 30 pounds, ability to move up to 50 pounds.
- Environmental: A mix of outdoor and indoor conditions. Outdoor conditions include working in various climates and navigating through caves.
- 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, narrow or steep cave features, 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 partner 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: .Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this p osition, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Program Manager, Molly Nash at .
EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.
