Forest Pest and Resource Management Member -Shenandoah National Park

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Resource Management Member interested in dedicating 13 weeks in support of Shenandoah National Park. The ACE member will assist with forest pest management and human-wildlife interactions management. 

This opportunity is ideal for enthusiastic individuals who are deeply committed to the preservation of our national parks. Applicants must have a strong interest in natural resource management, wildlife sciences, forestry, botany, biology or a related discipline.

 

Start Date: May 25, 2020

End Date: August 22, 2020 (or 13 weeks from start date)

*A 13-week commitment is required*

 

Location: Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, Luray, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park contains nearly 197,000 forested acres along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia. The Park's backcountry of steep rugged terrain contains over 500 miles of trails, including 95 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and nearly 80,000 acres of federally designated wilderness. Skyline Drive, the famous scenic tour road through the Park, follows the ridge crest for 105 miles and connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nearly 1.5 million people visit the Park each year to enjoy views from the Skyline Drive, hike trails, rock climb, enjoy nature study, camp, or stay overnight in one of the Park's rustic lodges or backcountry cabins. The Park supports approximately 1400 vascular plant species, numerous state-rare plant species, and a variety of forest community types. The mountain streams are inhabited by a variety of species of fishes and provide some of the best protected strongholds for native eastern brook trout.

 

Project Website: For more information regarding Shenandoah National Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: www.nps.gov/shen.

For more information on American Conservation Experience, please visit: http://www.usaconservation.org/.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $170/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. A $500 travel allowance will be provided to aid in the costs of relocation.

 

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in housing provided by the park at no cost for the duration of the term. 

Housing consists of several homes with double occupancy bedrooms. Housing will most likely be in Luray, VA or within 10 miles. If housing is located further than 10 miles from Luray, VA, a government vehicle is intended to be provided for transportation to and from the work site. If one is not available, there will be a travel allowance provided. Luray, VA is 5 miles from Park Headquarters and has all of the standard amenities (Grocery stores, movie theater, shops, restaurants, library etc.). Laundry facilities are also available at park housing locations.

Cell phone reception is not always reliable. A personal vehicle is required for transportation related to personal needs (e.g., food shopping). The site is remote and there is no reliable public transportation. Members will have use of a government vehicle for work related travel.

                                                                                                

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

 

Position Description: The opportunity will focus on forest pest management and human-wildlife interactions management. The forest pest management portion will consist of assisting with the suppression of the invasive emerald ash borer using chemical treatments in order to protect a portion of the white ash in the park. It will also include some suppression of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid using chemical treatments in order to protect eastern hemlock.

The human-wildlife interactions portion will consist of assisting Bear Technicians with human-bear conflict management. This will involve assisting with securing food/coolers in campgrounds, basic aversive conditioning/hazing of black bear, public education, dealing with roadside "bear jams", and occasionally assisting with nuisance bear trapping/capture operations. It will be important that the member can communicate well with the public to educate the public on these projects. The member will also educate visitors about LNT practices, proper food storage, and safe wildlife viewing practices.

 

Training Opportunities: CPR, First Aid, Forest Pest Management OJT, Black Bear Aversive Conditioning OJT, Human-Wildlife Management OJT, and possibly Leave No Trace Training credentials.

Qualifications: Competitive applicants for the position will hold a bachelor's degree and/or experience in natural resource management, wildlife sciences, forestry, botany, biology or a related discipline.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the Handshake application page for this position.

 

Note: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Recruitment Specialist, Madison Douthitt at mdouthitt@usaconservation.org

 

EEO: 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.