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Archeology Monitoring Member - Shenandoah National Park

Employer
American Conservation Experience
Location
Luray, Virginia
Closing date
Jun 2, 2023

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Position Type
Archivist / Curator / Librarian
Discipline
Archaeology
Hours
Full Time
Organization Type
Nonprofit
Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) is seeking ONE Archeology Monitoring Member to assist with monitoring construction projects that include ground-disturbing activities, assessing the condition of existing sites both in the front-country and backcountry of the park, cataloging archeological collections, conducting environmental housekeeping, and working in the park's collection. Duties will be done independently, in consultation with NPS staff, and jointly with NPS staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: June 15, 2023

Estimated End Date: November 15, 2023 (or approximately 20 weeks after start date)

*a 20-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, Luray, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park contains 196,000 forested acres along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia. The Park's backcountry of steep rugged terrain contains 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 Front Royal, Virginia, to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Nearly two 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 has over 610 recorded archeological sites, and many more on un-surveyed lands. The Park supports approximately 1,400 vascular plant species, numerous state-rare plant species, and a variety of forest community types. The mountain streams are inhabited by 40 species of fish, over 230 taxa of aquatic invertebrates.

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

Position Overview: Your primary job will be to monitor active construction projects that involve ground disturbance, conduct archeological site condition assessments using established protocols and forms developed for Northeast Region parks, and prepare archeological reports and correspondence for the park's management team. You will be working under the professional supervision and direction of the regional program's zone archeologist, with a park-based supervisor who also is the park's curator. Monitoring reports will be completed on a weekly-or-more-frequent basis, and will summarize areas monitored and include photographs. When time allows, you will also monitor the condition of the park's 120+ family cemeteries, accompanying park staff and volunteers into the backcountry and documenting cemetery conditions, including access condition. You also may be called upon to serve in an environmental monitoring role, or to lead small teams of cultural resource documentation teams.

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: Most weeks you will be expected Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, although considerable flexibility assists in doing backcountry site visits and detailed site visits. All served hours are credited to the internship.

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 an 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $2,474.27 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 hours.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.

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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: The selected ACE member will be accommodated in park housing at no cost to the member, for the duration of the term.

Housing consists of several homes with double occupancy bedrooms. Housing will most likely be at the park headquarters area in Luray, VA, or within 20 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 project site. If one is not available, there will be a travel allowance provided. Luray, VA is 5 miles from Park Headquarters and has the standard community amenities (grocery stores, theaters, shops, restaurants, a library, etc.). Laundry facilities are provided in park housing.

Members will have use of a government vehicle for project-related travel. Mobile phone reception is location-dependent and spotty in the park. 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, although taxis are familiar with the area and regularly provide rides to-and-from the Appalachian Trail crossing in Thornton Gap.

Reimbursable Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,300 to be used for eligible relocation expenses and for commuting to the duty station. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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:
  • Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
  • Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
  • Ability to be both self-directed 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).
  • Personal vehicle for non-project related tasks
  • Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • 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.
  • The Member 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 Archeology, or Anthropology with a focus in archeological duties.
  • Knowledge of the principles of archeological site survey, excavation, and monitoring, including site formation processes, and the cultural/historical development of the eastern United States from the Paleoindian period to 1900.
  • Ability and willingness to work with a professional archeologist on a semi-independent basis, documenting sites, monitoring construction activities, and performing duties in a sometimes-remote field setting.
  • Deep interest in human prehistory and history, including how people use the land and create archeological sites and features.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
  • Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
  • 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 50 lbs., ability to move up to 80 pounds.
  • Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
  • Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
  • Travel: This position does not require unique travel.


Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, 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: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

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 here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. 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 Member Coordinator, Maya Opara-Nadi, at mopara-nadi@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.

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