NPS – Community Assistance Fellow, Southeast Michigan, Detroit, MI

Length

Term of positions is 47 weeks;

full-time commitment 5-days per week.

Location

Detroit, MI

Living Allowance

$465 week, health insurance provided if desired

AmeriCorps Award

Community Assistance Fellows are eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $5,775 (pre-tax).

Educational Status

Holds undergraduate or graduate degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Outdoor Recreation Planning, Natural Resources, or related field.

Maximum age is 30

Start Date

Positions starting May 2017

Specific training

Hands-on mentored work experience; individual training available to meet specific interests and needs.

Application Due Date

Preference will be given to applications received on or before April 17

Program Basics

In addition to protecting and managing America’s 401 national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) also operates programs that extend throughout the nation to connect all Americans to their parks, trails, rivers, and other special places. The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program helps community groups, nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribes plan parks and trails, conserve and improve access to rivers and natural areas, and create recreation opportunities through locally led partnerships.

NPS – Community Assistance Fellows will be placed with participating RTCA and related program sites and will be provided opportunities to receive training and experience. The NPS-Community Assistance Fellows Program introduces Fellows to NPS-RTCA sites to work in a mentored environment for a full year. Fellows will help RTCA staff provide technical assistance to communities to plan, organize partnerships, and achieve on the ground success on conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

Fellows may receive an AmeriCorps educational stipend at the end of their term if they qualify. AmeriCorps is a national service organization, connecting thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to serve their communities.

Specifics about the Michigan Field Office Fellowship

The position is stationed in the Detroit metro area with an NPS-RTCA partner (Detroit Parks Department, River Raisin National Battlefield Park, University Center (U of M or MSU). The Fellow will be provided a professional space, internet and lap top computer. Administrative support will be provided by the NPS Midwest Regional Office. Lodging and per diem will be provided for official overnight travel. Housing for this position will not be provided.

The Fellow will work with Senior RTCA staff on a variety of projects in Southeast Michigan including: The Upper Detroit River Habitat and Park Restoration Project, Detroit Youth Paddling Program, the Flint River Water Trail, the Rouge River Water Trail, and Rouge Park projects. The Fellow may also get involved in RTCA Communities of Practice, e.g. youth, urban initiative, health, water trails and watersheds, large landscape conservation.

Fellows will be exposed to the RTCA National network of planners and community assistance professionals and may participate in training and conference opportunities that are available to Program staff such as facilitation skills, NPS trainings and webinars, and attending professional conferences.

Participant Tasking Examples

— Community engagement and outreach, especially involving youth in community-based planning and programing

— Planning, leading, and participating in hands-on conservation/recreation efforts

— Developing programs/approaches promoting active involvement in NPS-supported projects

— Developing programs and/or opportunities for youth involvement in projects.

— Providing outreach (web updates, e-newsletters, brochures/fliers)

— Writing project updates, reports and correspondence

— Preparing and conducting public meetings and workshops

— Coordinating and supporting planning teams

— Conducting site analysis and resource assessments

— Researching best practices

— Preparing maps, conceptual plans, and graphics using GIS, Adobe Illustrator, and other programs

Qualifications

— Must be a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States

— Preference will be given to qualified, local (currently living in the city they are applying) candidates. — All candidates should have demonstrable interest in parks, outdoor recreation, conservation, urban planning, public/youth engagement, rivers, trails, etc.

— Candidates should hold an undergraduate degree in related field such as planning, recreation management, natural or cultural resource management, geography, graphic design, and landscape architecture.

— Maximum age is 30.

— Specific skills and abilities sought include:
Strong oral and written communications skills

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite

Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as part of a larger team Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure Possession of a current valid driver’s license

Considerable physical activity may be required at some sites Negotiating and handling stressful situations in a diplomatic and non-adversarial manner

Fellows will be required to submit quarterly reports and a final report during their year of service.

How to Apply Apply on-line at: http://www.stewardslegacy.org/join/

For More Information

Contact Michael Rendon, Environmental Stewards Program Director 970-403-0149 mrendon@ConservationLegacy.org

Required Skills

Required Experience