Job Listing
🔗Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Website Appalachian Conservation Corps
Title: Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
Location: Based out of Church Creek, MD
Dates of Service: Flexible September start date – 8/30/2023 (50 weeks)
Pay: $720/week ($600/week stipend + $120/housing allowance) plus benefits
Status: This is a full-time, temporary, 1700-hour AmeriCorps National Service position.
Questions? Contact ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org
Appalachian Conservation Corps:
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) connects young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania communities. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.
Through partnerships with federal, state, and local partners, we develop opportunities to assist young people in gaining meaningful experience that will further their professional goals. The Individual Placements gain hands-on experience at their placement site, and ACC supports them through their term and provides various benefits to help them in the long term. ACC welcomes national applicants but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad NHP:
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park is a 480-acre National Park Service unit in Maryland that preserves and interprets the historical, cultural, and natural resources associated with the life, work, and legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad for the benefit of current and future generations. Harriet Tubman was the Underground Railroad’s best-known conductor and, before the Civil War, repeatedly risked her life to guide 70 enslaved people north to new lives of freedom. This new national historical park preserves the same landscapes that Tubman used to carry herself and others away from slavery.
Position Summary:
Appalachian Conservation Corps and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad NHP are seeking a Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador to work with National Park Service staff to develop new ways of telling the incredible stories of the Underground Railroad using various modern methods of communication while enhancing the park’s current interpretation using an Equity Lens.
The interns will complete two weeks of formal training at the host park to learn basic operations, interpretation, and natural/cultural resource stories. The interns will work with the public and may act as the face of Chesapeake Gateways places or NPS Chesapeake Gateways at the visitor centers, public events, and while roving Chesapeake Gateways places or the community. The interns will develop and present interpretive programs or services within the first three months of working. Then, they will refine, design, and deliver additional programs as their mentor directs during the next three months. They will research and write digital media resources throughout the year, highlighting under-told stories. After working at the park for several months, the intern will develop “pop-up” programs for visitors and engage with them on an informal level. The intern will assist with other interpretive media projects, including signage and brochures, as a part of a team. The intern will assist other staff with planning and hosting at least eight community programs, including educational field trips.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Community engagement and outreach, especially regarding engagement and involvement of young people in cultural heritage.
- Preparing and conducting public programs and workshops focused on at least one of the NPS Chesapeake Gateways themes and utilizing inclusive interpretation principles and 21st Century Interpretation Competencies.
- Creating, editing, and publishing content for multiple print and digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, social media, publications, newspapers, magazines, and more.
- Developing inclusive interpretation, programming, and experiences at Chesapeake Gateways place for underrepresented communities.
- Develop common interpretive content that can be readily adapted and customized for individual sites, including thematic interpretive products like interpretive signage.
- Link culture and nature through interpretation, education, messaging, and initiatives.
- Opportunities to participate in various activities and projects related to the mission of the National Park Service, depending on interest areas.
- Housing is not provided.
Benefits:
- $720 week stipend paid bi-weekly
- $6,495 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 1700 hour service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
- Option to enroll in free Health, Vision, and Dental benefits
- $500 professional development fund
- Eligibility for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion – noncompetitive hiring status for two years when applying for federal positions.
- Possible federal student loan forbearance and interest payoff
- Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
- Additional subject-specific certifications and training may be offered
- Depending upon the academic institution and program, positions may fulfill internship requirements
Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alum listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths
Preferred Qualifications:
Some college coursework completed in Communications, History, Public Affairs, Public Speaking, or other related subjects
Experience working in public-facing roles and customer service
Minimum Requirements:
- Be between 18 and 30 (except for Veterans aged 35).
- Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass background checks: All offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check.
- Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are qualified if they have not already completed two full years of AmeriCorps service or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility)
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply:
In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed. Applications are only accepted through our website, www.appalachiancc.org/individualplacements.
Our Promise:
Conservation Legacy is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of various groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Conservation Legacy is committed to fully including all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
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NCPE Internships: Eligibility & How to Apply
Benefits
All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.
As an organization operating under Public Land Corps Act (PLC) authority, many NCPE positions qualify the intern for Federal Hiring Preference if (1) they complete a minimum of 640 hours at one or more qualifying conservation project(s); (2) are between the ages of 16 and 30 years (35 if a veteran); and (3) apply for a Federal position at USAJOBS with PLC noted in the announcement within two years of completing the internship. Find out more about this hiring preference during the interview or contact manager@preservenet.org for details.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program or recently graduated (within the past 12 months) and be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. Interns are not eligible to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.
The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.
The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.
Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.
How to Apply
You may review NCPE's internship opportunities during the Summer and Winter application rounds without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.
Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your user name or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.
Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. PDF only, labeled Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages preferred. May be .doc, .docx or PDF. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.
Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during this application round. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
Once the deadline for submission has passed, NPS supervisors will review the applications and may contact candidates for a phone interview. Candidates who are not selected will be notified. Please allow about 4 weeks after the deadline before inquiring about the status of your application.
Quick Tips on How to Apply
#1 If you feel you need to bolster your resume or expand your knowledge base in a certain area, consider offering research assistance to an authority at your university and/or design a 1-credit reading course with an eminent scholar or practitioner.
#2 "Experience" is more than paid work. It is any activity that gives you the knowledge and ability to do something well. So include in the Universal Application all relevant research projects, academic extracurricular activities, and volunteer interests to show your initiative, leadership, and competency.
#3 Proofread everything. The qualification most sought after for any job or internship is strong communication skills so start off on the right foot with no spelling or grammatical errors in your application.
Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.