Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) Member – Landscape Stewardship Corps – Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service’s Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, is seeking two members to contribute to landscape stewardship projects alongside National Park Service staff.

The Traditional Trades Advancement Program-Landscape Stewardship Corps is intended for enthusiastic individuals who possess an interest in gaining experience in the field of landscape preservation or horticulture. No background or previous experience in horticulture is necessary.

For more information about the National Park Service’s Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) – Landscape Stewardship Corps please visit: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1098/landscape-stewardship-corps.htm

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

Start Date: May / June 2024

Estimated End Date: 26 weeks after start date*a 26-week commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is “an ancient river in a modern city,” and offers many opportunities to get outdoors, including hiking, paddling, and fishing. Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city and capital, and a thriving international business and entertainment center. Park headquarters and housing is just north of Atlanta, near the interstate, MARTA (public transportation), and typical amenities (grocery store, retail shopping, post office, etc.). The park includes 48-river miles from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek and 15 discontinuous land units with trailheads, boat ramps, picnic areas and one Visitor Center.

For more information regarding Chattahoochee River, please visit the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm.

Position Overview: The purpose of this position is to provide fulfilling professional development experience for the member, whereby they gain a greater knowledge of the park and its resources, learn valuable skills, network with various non-profit, municipal, state, and federal resource organizations, and learn about conservation careers and employment opportunities within the NPS. The member will implement the treatment recommendations from the Island Ford Cultural Landscape Report.

As a unit of the National Park Service, CRNRA “preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” The member will work with park staff in the Planning, Resources, and Education division to preserve and manage the historic landscape around Hewlett Lodge, a c.1930 summer retreat, that serves as park headquarters. Duties would include vegetation management (removal of invasives and non-native species, maintenance of forests and maintained landscape, replanting with native species), trail maintenance (chainsaw work on existing trails, drainage clearing, nicks, and erosion control), and historic preservation and documentation (drawings, photographs and notes) of project work on park resources.

Training opportunities may include chainsaw operation, herbicide use in national parks (led by the Southeast Invasive Plant Management leads), and field opportunities to identify invasive and native plants, apply cultural resource law and policy, and work with partner organizations to manage a pollinator garden and certified wildlife habitat (Birds Georgia). The member will work closely with park staff to support volunteer days for trail work, take field trips with local botanists, and complete landscape projects that support park operations.

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Occasionally, weekend and after-hours work will be expected.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720/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. 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: ACE members can be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Professional Development Stipend: The ACE Member will receive $1,000 of professional development funds that can be used for approved purposes.

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. Specific training will include OSHA-10 Certification and a Landscape Stewardship Fundamentals course.

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 two-part criminal history
• Hold a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent
• 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.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team.
• Strong Interest in horticulture, gardening, and/or tree care.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

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 camp overnight under field conditions.
  • 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
  • Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor conditions include; office environment, air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
  • Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
  • Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

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 Member Coordinator, HPTC Programs, Kyle Ellison, at kellison@usaconservation.org.