TTAP NPS HPTC Water and Wastewater Operator Apprentice – Gateway National Recreation Area – AmeriCorps

Position Title: NPS HPTC Water and Wastewater Operator Apprentice – Gateway National Recreation Area – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Sandy Hook, NJ – Gateway National Recreation Area

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: January/February
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1200 hours, 34 Weeks

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placement Program (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 Gateway National Recreation Area. The Water and Wastewater Plant 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, safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, safety-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).

Description of Duties:

• Operating light trucks and other vehicles to access systems and move supplies and materials.
• Collect water and wastewater samples and perform water testing in accordance with Standard Methods and State Requirements.
• Record water and wastewater data (e.g., meter readings) on local, state, and federal forms.
• Perform minor repair to plumbing and chemical feed systems.
• Conduct routine system checks and monitor chlorine residuals.
• Perform general maintenance and cleanup to pumphouses, treatment plants, laboratory, and vehicles.
• Analyze water and wastewater results and make corrections to treatment processes.
• Assist with wastewater system maintenance and pumping operations.
• Complete hard copy and electronic paperwork, forms, and data-entry; compile and review information and create draft reports.
• Job shadow other employees and work groups to gain exposure to other career paths and facets of park operations.
• Assist Supervisor and other administrative staff with tasks such as data collection and contract monitoring, fleet management, and supply inventory and monitoring.
• Preparing documents and reports using tablets, GIS, data management and word processing software.  

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 17 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Moderate to heavy physical effort is required for this position, including, lifting, or handling of objects over 50lbs using proper techniques.
• Standing or kneeling for long periods and will be required to 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. 
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Valid Driver’s License 
• Ability to attend training courses either in person or online as a license requirement

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:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours per week Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Training and Mentorship as it relates to position include:
  • 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.)

Benefits:

• $520/wk + $200/wk additional benefit (equivalent to $18/hr pre-tax)
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award- $7,395.00 (requires completion of entire internship) 
• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority 
• Park Housing Available
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has 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

Program Coordinator

krecord@conservationlegacy.org