ACE Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Member, Delaware Water Gap (PA) - July 10th
Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a national nonprofit Conservation Corps in Asheville NC, in partnership with AmeriCorps.
Corps Members are dedicated to serving 13 or 25 weeks on conservation projects, including habitat restoration and trail construction & maintenance. These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic young individuals (18-25) with a deep interest in advancing their environmental career.
Location:Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA
Projects take place throughout the East. Frequently, teams are working in the White Mountain National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, Monongahela National Forest, Gettysburg National Military Park, Cherry Valley Nation Wildlife Refuge among others.
Start Date: July 10th, 2019
Estimated End Date: October 12th, 2019 (13 weeks) or March 3rd, 2020 (25 weeks)
Schedule: Project schedules vary greatly, but typically Corps Members work 4 days on/ 3 days off. For remote projects, Corps Members spend off-days nearer to their project location, away from Delaware Water Gap. Remote projects typically last about three weeks, with the 4 days on/3 days off schedule.
Benefits: Members will receive a Living Allowance of $140/week, paid bi-weekly.
Corps Members obtain an Education Award for the amount of $1,566.14 (450 hours/13 weeks) or $2,960.00 (900 hours/25 weeks).
ACE provides Corps Members with food during all project days; Corps Members are responsible for providing their own food on off-days.
ACE provides Corps Members housing during their term of service. When working remotely, Corps Members will be provided housing in those remote locations. When working in or near Pennsylvania, Corps Members spend off days in camp-cabin-style housing in Delaware Water Gap. The member will provide his or her own blankets/pillow/sleeping bag/towels.
Gear: ACE provides each member their own tent. The member will provide his or her own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, hiking boots. Upon acceptance to the program, Corps Members will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather during this time of year can be highly variable so plan on bringing layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear.
Travel: ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the member's term of service. ACE does not provide relocation assistance.
Position Description:
Corps Members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors within ACE, while gaining invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and many other stewards of our nation's public lands.
Field work and other duties might include but are not limited to:
- Habitat restoration
- Historic Preservation
- Trail construction and maintenance
- Dry and wet stone masonry
- Reforestation
- Plant identification
- Planting
- Fencing
- Invasive species removal
- Swamping
Corps Members get experience working with or in conjunction with the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training:
- Trail Maintenance: Pick mattocks, Pulaskis, shovels, single/double jacks, McLeods, single bit axes, rock bars, chisels, crosscut saws, and griphoists
- Restoration Equipment: Herbicide backpack sprayers, spray bottles, GPS units, and measuring tools
- Power Tools and Gas Powered Equipment: Chainsaws, brush-cutters, drills, saws, and compressors
Qualifications: Applicants must be capable of performing physically demanding labor on environmental and conservation projects for 10 hours a day. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying 40 lbs, and be prepared to spend 8 consecutive days in the field, on one project. Corps Members will work in a variety of weather conditions such as temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and snow.
Required:
- U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Able and willing to work in a group
- Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions
- Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check
Preferred:
- Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain
- Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional
- Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities
The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs (including recreational pot-smoking) and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
To Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please elaborate on your availability.
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, you may contact one of the Eastern Branch Outreach Coordinators, Kelly Waldron at kwaldron@usaconservation.org or Hannah Anderson athanderson@usaconservation.org.