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GIS Member – Cumberland Gap National Historical Park – AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is seeking ONE GIS Member interested in dedicating 52 weeks in support of the National Park Service. The GIS Member will be responsible for all GIS work conducted in the Park and collaborate with regional GIS specialist to accomplish these duties. Additionally, the GIS member will be expected to conduct fieldwork approximately 20% of the time.  
Start Date: October 25, 2020 (Start date is flexible and contingent on the accepted candidate securing government ID card prior to work. This can take approximately one month from the time of hire.)
End Date:  October 23, 2021 (or 52 weeks from start date)
* A 52-week commitment is required *
Location:  Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA) near Middlesboro, KY.
The Park is located at the corners of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Carved by wind and water, Cumberland Gap forms a major break in the Appalachian Mountain chain. Stretching for 26 miles along Cumberland Mountain and ranging from one to four miles in width, the park contains 24,000 acres of which 14,000 acres is proposed wilderness. The natural beauty of Appalachian mountain country, lush with vegetation, supports diverse flora and fauna.  
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, or the National Park Service, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Living Allowance: The ACE member is expected to serve 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $250/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The member will be provided with a one-time equipment allowance of $200 for the purchase of field boots. 
Housing: IF there is room in the NPS dormitory it will be available to the member and a stipend equivalent to its rent will be provided. The member may opt out of NPS housing in favor of their own rental location and a housing stipend of $700/month ($175/week) will be provided for a total stipend of $425/week. 
NOTE: it can be rather difficult to secure rental accommodations in the Middlesboro area.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for two 900-hour ($3,047.50) or one 1700-hour ($6,095) AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service is required. 
Position Description: The ACE member will assist Park staff in accomplishing a variety of tasks. 80% of the work performed by the member will be GIS focused and involves data collection, database management, and creating maps. The GIS member is the only individual in the park with GIS duties and supports the GIS needs of the entire park team. The member will spend the remaining 20% of their time in the field performing tasks as assigned. The fieldwork, which is physically demanding, will be focused on the control of either exotic plants or hemlock woolly adelgids. 
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.
  • This position is funded through the Public Land Corps Act which has specific program requirements.
  • Must be 21-30 years of age to apply (members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties).
  • Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply.
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
  • A personal vehicle is required.
  • Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred:
  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources.
  • Ability to apply GIS and related technology in support of natural resource management.
  • Practical knowledge of the techniques used in the analysis of multiple resources, combined with knowledge of the magnitude and complexity of GIS databases.
  • Practical knowledge of geographic/cartographic sciences, interdisciplinary resource management, and database management.
  • An individual that takes initiative, a self-starter and the ability to work independently.
  • General computer/technical knowledge and skills.
  • Practical knowledge of the general land use-planning process and land management programs.
  • Knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural and cultural resources; for example, range, wildlife, soil, water, minerals and others.
  • Ability to communicate clearly about the application of GIS with planners, resource specialists, managers, and peer professionals in Federal, State, and local agencies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary group in a knowledgeable and accurate manner.
  • Plant identification (field work may require identification of threatened and endangered plant species).
  • Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain.
  • Ability to work independently in remote areas.
  • Strong desire to enter the public service field as a GIS/Natural Resources professional.
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. 
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 via the external application link through 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 Member Coordinator, Madison Douthitt, (828) 329-4793, 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.