Aquatic Resources Member - New River Gorge National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NERI) is seeking TWO Aquatic Resources Members to work directly alongside NERI Natural Resource Management staff to assist with water quality monitoring, laboratory analyses, data management, collection of dragonfly nymphs for mercury analysis, crayfish collection and monitoring, and occasional opportunities to assist with collection of other benthic macroinvertebrates and fish.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: June 2025 (start date flexible)

Estimated End Date: 16-weeks after start date

*a 16-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Glen Jean, West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NERI) is located in southern West Virginia and encompasses 70,000 acres and 53 miles of one of the oldest rivers on the continent. NERI is home to a vast array of natural and cultural resources. Renowned for its recreational opportunities, NERI hosts miles of hiking and biking trails, premiere whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping.

Park staff also manages the nearby Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE) and Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI). BLUE protects 10.5 miles of free-flowing river and offers a rich variety of natural resources and history along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail. GARI protects 25 miles of the Gauley River and 6 miles of Meadow River. Known for its multiple class V rapids, GARI is one of the most adventurous rivers in the east.

For more information about New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, please visit the park's website.

Position Overview: The ACE Members will learn about natural resource management issues through interactive experiences and assignments at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. The Members will assist Natural Resource Management staff and partners with water quality field monitoring, trash/single use plastic monitoring in rivers and streams, laboratory analyses, and data management, as well as monitoring aquatic organisms with emphasis on collection of dragonflies and crayfish. The Members will interact with the public and share information on park resources and issues, including challenges such as water pollution.

Training: Cross training opportunities are encouraged and could include wildlife monitoring, invasive species management, vegetation management, native seed collection, abandoned mineland restoration, GIS, trail maintenance, interpretation, and public education.

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: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30, with occasional flexibility necessary to work longer days and weekends to accommodate project needs. Planned changes to the typical schedule will be discussed in advance and hours worked beyond the expected schedule will be compensated on Fridays to maintain workload of 40 hours per week.

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.

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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE. NPS housing may be available at a rate of $12.55 per day but is not guaranteed. More information will be provided by NPS during the interview process.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $400 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. 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 orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include swift water safety; use of field and laboratory equipment to complete water quality analysis; basic ID of aquatic macroinvertebrates and habitat characteristics; general first aid and CPR.

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/work 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).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, or similar science field and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as fisheries, freshwater ecology, or water quality.
• Knowledge of natural resource management
• Ability and willingness to learn, effectively work in a team environment, maintain a positive attitude, and remain flexible to meet project needs.
• Deep interest in aquatic resources.

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. Ability to hike over rough terrain and navigate field conditions including steep terrain, wet slippery conditions. Comfort working outdoors. Some field work is performed in or around moving water with activities including wading, snorkeling, and operating a non-motorized watercraft.

• 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 20 lbs., ability to move up to 45 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. It will involve traveling to different sections of the park.

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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. 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 Manager, Emily Oostveen.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Salary : $13