Recreation Stewardship Member - New River Gorge National River - AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking one Recreation Stewardship Member to work directly with New River Gorge National River staff to develop and implement a climbing stewardship program.

This position will develop a plan to collect observational data related to climbing that can be used to better inform future management actions and work to develop a volunteer climbing stewardship program.

This position could be full-time or part-time. The full-time position would be ~40 hours per week for 12 weeks, while part time would be ~26 hours per week for 18 weeks.

* A 12 or 18 week commitment is required *  

Location: New River Gorge National River, Glen Jean, West Virginia.

New River Gorge National River (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 host miles of hiking and biking trails, premiere white water rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping.

Park staff also manages 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.

Project Website: For more information about the park, please visit their website at: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm.

For more information about American Conservation Experience: http://www.usaconservation.org/.

Living Allowance: If full-time, the ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $250/week to cover the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. If part-time, the member is expected to contribute ~26 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $162.50/week.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Driving: The member will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel, though a personal vehicle is required for time off and transportation to/from the park.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,612.43) upon successful completion of the term. Additional enrollment is required.

Position Description: The Recreation Stewardship Member will develop and implement a climbing stewardship program. This position will develop a plan to collect observational data related to climbing. The member will develop a methodology to collect information on number of users, parking area capacity, timing, and concurrent recreational uses in climbing areas (hammocks, radio use, etc.). This will involve research into climbing and bouldering areas and activities in the New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Areas. The member will also actively collect data based on the methodology developed and adopted. The member will also work on developing a volunteer climbing stewardship program similar to the existing "Adopt-A-Trail" program in place in the park. A background in rock climbing is not necessary for the position, but it would be helpful.

This position will devote 10% of time to professional development opportunities including cross training, online coursework, and shadowing National Park Service professionals. 

Training: The member will be trained in safety procedures and attend park-wide safety days. Cross-training opportunities are encouraged and can include: amphibian surveys, bird netting, mine portal surveys for bats, invasive species management, vegetation management, and interpretive programs/education.

Physical Demands: Duties consist of a mix of indoor sedentary work and physical outdoor work. Work may be conducted over rough, un-even terrain during adverse weather conditions. Light lifting, bending, and driving are required.

Schedule: weekend and afternoon/early evening activity will be required. Can be somewhat flexible on schedule, but weekend and afternoon/early evening data collection in the park is required.

Qualifications: Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in parks and recreation management, social science, environmental education, or related disciplines.

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with three (3) professional/academic references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website, found through the external application link on Handshake.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Eastern Recruitment Specialist, Madison Douthitt, (828) 329-4793, mdouthitt@usaconservation.org

EOE: 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.

Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.