Job Listing
🔗Canal Quarters Manager
Website C&O Canal Trust
The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) runs 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland. It is beloved by over five million people who use it annually for recreation, exercise, and the enjoyment of history and nature. Almost entirely fee-free, it is one of the most accessible and visited national parks in the nation, attracting higher annual visitation than either Yellowstone or Yosemite. The C&O Canal Trust is the official philanthropic partner to the C&O Canal NHP, a growing nonprofit that raises funds to preserve and protect the C&O Canal NHP and manages programs that promote the Park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources for recreational and educational purposes. The care and preservation of the seven historical lockhouses in the Canal Quarters program rank high on our list of funding and programmatic priorities, which is why we are looking for the best person to lead the program to its next level of growth and engagement.
Are you ready to bring your energy and skills to help preserve the largest national park in the Washington, DC, region? The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) runs 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland. It is beloved by over five million people who use it annually for recreation, exercise, and the enjoyment of history and nature. Almost entirely fee-free, it is one of the most accessible and visited national parks in the nation, attracting higher annual visitation than either Yellowstone or Yosemite. Unique among its attractions is the Canal Quarters overnight interpretive program, in which visitors can stay overnight in a restored 1830s-era stone or brick lockhouse, mere steps from hiking, biking, boating, fishing, birding, or many other recreational opportunities.
The C&O Canal Trust is the official philanthropic partner to the C&O Canal NHP, a growing nonprofit that raises funds to preserve and protect the C&O Canal NHP and manages programs that promote the Park’s natural, historical, and cultural resources for recreational and educational purposes. The care and preservation of the seven historical lockhouses in the Canal Quarters program rank high on our list of funding and programmatic priorities, which is why we are looking for the best person to lead the program to its next level of growth and engagement.
The Position
The C&O Canal Trust seeks a Canal Quarters Manager with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, great attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and ability to excel both in the office and the field. An ideal candidate values the Trust’s mission and shares our commitment to preserving Park resources, helping visitors find new ways to experience the Park and volunteers to thrive in a rewarding program. The position manages the daily operations and needs of the guests, volunteers, and houses, as well as other programmatic support as needed.
The Canal Quarters Manager reports to the Director of Programs and Partnerships, and works closely with Trust volunteers, contractors, and the National Park Service. The position is based in the C&O Canal NHP in a new headquarters building adjoining the Park in Williamsport, Maryland. Trust staff operate under a hybrid model – in office and telework – but significant time will be spent in the Park as well.
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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.