Insect Ecology Member - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - American Conservation Experience - EPIC

Summary:

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Insect Ecology Member to assist with monitoring, sampling, and identifying terrestrial insects associated with various projects throughout the Park.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 2024 (flexibility available for the right candidate)

End date: 41 weeks from start

*a 41-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Williamsport, Maryland

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park traverses 184.5 miles across four physiographic provinces, five counties in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as into the District of Columbia. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

For more information regarding Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: www.nps.gov/choh/

Position Description: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park traverses 184.5 miles across four physiographic provinces, four counties in Maryland, as well as into the District of Columbia. Such physiographic diversity subsequently cultivates plant and wildlife diversity, which is evident as one travels through the Park. Unique habitats range from upland shale barrens to river scour prairies, each of which faces their own threats from invasive plants, forests pests, climate change, and outside stressors. This position will focus on the park's top priority invasive plant and insect species management by completing field work and assisting with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.

This position will focus on insect trap deployment and monitoring; collecting insect and associated plant samples; active insect sampling; identification of insects; and various other duties, depending on interests of the incumbent. The position will contribute to various research projects during the field season of 2024:

• Assisting with improving forest resiliency by treating top priority non-native invasive plant species.
• Monitor for and report on forests pests including early detection species and known pests
• Assist with implementing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the park's biocontrol program.
• Use GPS to map invasive plants and forests pests throughout the extent of the park.
• Duties for this position include:

• Using mechanical and chemical treatments to manage invasive plant species.
• Recording and mapping invasive species and forests pests.
• Conducting early detection, rapid response framework to slow the spread of invasives.
• Entering data and preparing written summaries for each project.

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.

Position Benefits:

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 1700 AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2023/24 grant year program, valued up to $6,895 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hours.

Loan Forbearance: Members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: Members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.

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

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.
• 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.
• Ability to collect and organize data and field notes.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position may hold a bachelor's or graduate degree and/or experience in biology, ecology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with invasive plant management, forest pests identification, GPS/GIS, and report writing.
• Experience identifying plants and insects or related taxa using established dichotomous keys.

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 hike over rough terrain.
• 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. 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.

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 applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact EPIC NPS Eastern Program Manager, Molly Nash at mmnash@usaconservation.org 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.