TTAP NPS HPTC – Isle Royale National Park – Water Lab & Utility Shop Member – AmeriCorps

Position Title: NPS Historic Preservation Training Center – Isle Royale National Park – Water Lab & Utility Shop Member – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Houghton, MI

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 6/2/2025
• Duration: 12 Weeks

• AmeriCorps Hours Slot: 450 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements (STE) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

This role provides an overview experience of the Facility Maintenance division of Isle Royale National Park. The Water Lab & Utilities Shop Intern will work independently and/or as part of a small team on water/wastewater operations and maintenance on systems parkwide. In addition to performing these tasks, the intern will engage in a wide breadth of professional development opportunities.

The position will receive clear cut assignments from the mentor/supervisor in the form of written and oral instructions.  Assignments are always received with accompanying instructions concerning the work methods to be used.  Problems are reported to a higher-graded worker or supervisor.  

Work is both indoors and outdoors where the Steward may be subject to prevailing weather conditions.  The intern follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as face shields, gloves, hard-toe shoes, respirators, and protective clothing that may be uncomfortable to wear.  The intern is required to attend and participate in safety meetings and trainings and review safety regulations and policies prior to using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The position is located in the town of Houghton, Michigan. Stewards, in partnership with Isle Royale National Park, are seeking a service member who will work directly with the operators of all water and wastewater treatment systems within Isle Royale National Park. The park has three ultrafiltration membrane water treatment plants, and one extended aeration activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. The park also has small four small outlaying stations, each with their own water treatment facilities. Interns will gain a practical understanding of how these systems work and how they support park operations. Interns will gain skills and knowledge of operations, testing, troubleshooting equipment, process control, and lab work and will gain varied knowledge by working directly with utilities staff on different systems. By the end of the internship, they will have gained skills and knowledge that will be directly transferable to other water and wastewater systems within the NPS or elsewhere. There will be some flexibility as to which tasks are the main focus of the internship to support personal professional growth and goals. Training will be provided directly to the interns from park utilities staff in all tasks.

Description of Duties:

• Pumping water at one of the water treatment plants including testing chlorine and turbidities
• Working at the wastewater treatment plant including testing pH and dissolved oxygen, adjusting chemical addition, wasting sludge, cleaning clarifiers, checking

lifts stations, testing for coliform bacteria, phosphorus, ammonia, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, performing microorganism ID etc.

• Routine maintenance on equipment such as pumps and blowers
• Utilities improvement projects such as replacing valves and building valve boxes
• Collateral duties may include supporting other park operations such as helping with lines for park ferries and moving freight, light grounds work and assisting

other maintenance staff

• Cross training opportunities in other work groups are available if desired
• Participate in on-the-job and formal training relating the to duties listed below and as part of the park’s on-boarding and orientation process for employees including:
• OSHA 1910 & 1926, Operational Leadership, Water, Wastewater & Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures, vehicle operation, Job Hazard Analysis, tailgate safety meetings, seasonal orientation, first aid/CPR, park operations.
• Learns and follows prescribed safety practices and uses safety equipment such as face shields, hard hat, gloves, respirators, and protective clothing.
• Operate light trucks and other vehicles to access systems and move supplies and materials.
• Record water and wastewater data (e.g., meter readings) on local, state, and federal forms.
• Complete hard copy and electronic paperwork, forms, and data-entry; compile and review information and create draft reports.
• Assist Supervisor and other administrative staff with tasks such as data collection and contract monitoring, fleet management, and supply inventory and monitoring.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Must be 18-30 years of age, maximum 35 for Veterans with DD-214
• Ability to commit to a 26-week or 12-week experience of combined training and hands-on work
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Climb ladders, work from scaffolding or platforms, work on uneven or angled surfaces such as a roof, and/or be able to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, climb and walk in all manners of environmental conditions such as rain, mud, and extreme heat or cold.
• Interest in traditional trades or historic preservation
• Driver’s License & personal transportation will be required to report to job site
• Willingness to learn preservation skills and safety protocols.
• Operate as a good team member within work crew and follow daily direction.
• Follow HPTC’s project agreement and safety plan.
• Be respectful of all members or crew and supervisor staff

Physical Requirements:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• This position is expected to serve full time 40 hours per week, but exact service schedules may vary depending on travel and project details.
• This position is classified as a DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) Internship. Applicants must be a current student enrolled in an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institute of higher education. Proof of enrollment will be required before an official offer is made. Applicant must successfully complete the internship and graduate from their degree program to receive DHA eligibility status. 

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on a variety of techniques.
• OSHA 1910 & 1926, Operational Leadership, Water, Wastewater & Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures, vehicle operation, Job Hazard Analysis, tailgate safety meetings, seasonal orientation, first aid/CPR, park operations.
• Safety training (vehicle, trailer, situational awareness, power tools, etc.)
• Opportunity to learn trade secrets from master craftsmen

Benefits:

• $520/wk living allowance + $200/wk additional benefit (equivalent to $18/hr pre-tax)
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award- $3,697.50 (requires completion of entire internship)
• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority or Direct Hire Authority (dependent on applicant selection)
• Park Housing Available

Evaluation and Reporting:

As a Stewards AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has served their total amount of service hours, satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Kevin Record

Stewards Program Coordinator

681.666.3621

krecord@conservationlegacy.org