Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), is seeking THREE Habitat Restoration members to contribute to restoring habitat and managing native and non-native plants alongside Cuyahoga Valley National Park staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: May 2024
Estimated End Date: 26 weeks from start date
Location Details/Description: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville, OhioCuyahoga Valley National Park protects 33,000 acres surrounding the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron in northeast Ohio. The park's mission is to preserve and protect the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River Valley for public use and enjoyment and to maintain open space in an urbanized environment.
The park is dominated by deciduous forest but also supports meadows, wetlands, and farming. More than 53% of the park is considered a functional riparian area. Summers are moderately warm with average temperatures in the 70's and 80's and occasional warm spells in the 90's. Winters are moderately cold with average temperatures in the 20's and 30's; heavy snowfall is not unusual between November and March.
For more information regarding the Cuyahoga Valley National Park or area, visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/cuva.
Position Overview:
The Habitat Restoration members will work as a member of the park's restoration and exotic-plant-management crew, alongside park staff and volunteers. Exotic-plant management, including use of mechanical and chemical control, is a high priority, particularly during summer months. The members also will assist with all phases of habitat restoration, including collecting native seeds and cuttings; propagating native plants at the park's nursery; preparing sites for planting; and planting native plants at restoration sites. Many projects, including exotic-plant control and reforestation, may be completed in coordination with large groups of volunteers. Other projects occasionally may require independent, solitary work. Depending on timing and personal interest, members also will have opportunities to assist on other park projects, such as reintroducing freshwater mussels to the Cuyahoga River; conducting electro-fishing surveys in park waters; monitoring vegetation, wetlands, and birds; and completing surveys of deer and butterflies.
Project Background and Objectives: The Cuyahoga Valley has a history of extensive, human disturbance going back hundred years and is perhaps most-famously known for the last fire that burned on the Cuyahoga River in 1969. In more recent years however, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has worked to restore habitat, transform the landscape, and promote ecosystem renewal. The park is currently undertaking or investigating a variety of restoration projects ranging from reforestation to species reintroductions to enhancing habitat for pollinators. As an example, the park is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a large-scale project to restore the Cuyahoga River to a stable length, create wetlands, and restore forest to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat at the park. In addition, park staff are working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners to restore freshwater mussels, lake sturgeon, and other wildlife and plants to park lands and waters. ACE Restoration members at Cuyahoga Valley National Park would support these large-scale projects, while gaining practical, hands-on experience and knowledge related to conservation biology and habitat restoration.
The park will provide training to members in:
- Plant identification
- Methods to manage non-native, invasive plants with potential to obtain state-applicator certification
- GIS and GPS technology
- Native-plant propagation
- Use of power tools and other equipment to manage invasive plants and restore habitat.
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: Typical work schedule is expected to be Monday - Thursday, 7 am - 5:30 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 and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for one 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 and 900 hours.
Loan Forbearance:
Qualifying Child Care Coverage:
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 here: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Pets and family members are not permitted to live in park housing.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Excellent recreational and educational opportunities are available near the park, including hiking and biking trails, numerous restaurants and theaters, nearby shopping, easy access to Lake Erie and multiple universities and colleges.
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:
- 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).
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals within the NPS
- Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences
- 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.
- Members 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.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, or related discipline.
- Experience working in an environmental or cultural education setting
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources
- Experience identifying and managing native and non-native plants
- Experience using GPS and GIS software
- Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills
- Excellent public speaking skills
- Experience working outdoors.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands:
- 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 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.
- Noise Environment: Typically relatively quiet with intermittent periods of moderate to high noise, while using or near gas-powered chainsaws, machinery, and other hand and power tools.
- Travel: Travel beyond the vicinity of the park is unlikely in this position.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, 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: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS
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 ACE EPIC Eastern Member Manager, Maya Opara-Nadi, at mopara-nadi@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.
