Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador with the National Park Service

Job Overview

Title: Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador at the National Park Service 

Location: Based out of Annapolis, MD 

Dates of Service: November 18, 2024 – October 31, 2025 (50 week term commitment) 

Pay: $720/week ($600/week stipend + $120/housing allowance) plus benefits 

Status: This is a full-time, temporary, 1700-hour minimum AmeriCorps National Service position. 

Questions? Contact [email protected]  

Appalachian Conservation Corps:  

Our Individual Placement program works to connect young people to conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, DC, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation organizations.  

Individual Placements gain hands-on experience at their placement site, and ACC supports them through their term, as well as provides a variety of benefits to help them succeed in achieving their career goals. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.  

National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways: 

NPS Chesapeake Gateways is a community assistance and partner network. The program provides financial and technical assistance to enhance conservation, recreation, and interpretation throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It also convenes a system of nearly 300 parks, refuges, museums, historic communities, and water trails in the watershed. Chesapeake Gateways connects people to experiences of the natural and cultural heritage of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers to help conserve special places important to visitors, residents, and the nation, for this and future generations. 

Position Summary: 

Appalachian Conservation Corps and the National Park Service are seeking a Chesapeake Gateways Ambassador to work with National Park Service staff to work on projects to specifically address Chesapeake Gateways’ strategy to “Rebuild Core Network Capabilities and Services.” The intern will review, develop, and implement processes to facilitate partnership communications and training and assist in the overall efforts to assist Chesapeake Gateways places and partners in engaging the diverse communities of the Chesapeake watershed. 

The intern will complete two weeks of formal training at the NPS Chesapeake Gateways office to learn basic operations, skills in interpretation, and the natural/cultural resource stories that guide our collective work. Following this onboarding, the intern will complete training with a state partner managing state parks and other public lands. As part of this work, the intern may work with the public and act as the face of NPS Chesapeake Gateways at public events, partner meetings, and while roving Chesapeake Gateways places or in the community. Throughout the year, they will research and write digital media resources to Chesapeake Gateways places. In addition, the intern may assist with other communications, public affairs, and legislative affairs products, as a part of a team. The intern will assist other staff with planning and hosting at least eight community programs and the program’s annual network meeting. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Creating, editing, and publishing content for multiple print and digital platforms including websites, mobile apps, social media, publications, newspapers, magazines, and more.  

• Support developing digital listings to highlight elements of Chesapeake Gateways with specific partners to support master cooperative agreements. 

• Contributes to the implementation of a professional digital presence based on strategic priorities for providing information to the public and partner organizations.  

• Participate in the developing of internal and external publications including intranet articles, news releases, briefing statements, newsletters, etc. 

• Opportunities to participate in a variety of activities and projects related to the mission of the National Park Service depending on interest areas. 

• Community engagement and outreach, especially regarding engagement and involvement of young people in cultural heritage.  

• Participate in developing inclusive interpretation, programming, and experiences at Chesapeake Gateways place for underrepresented communities. 

• Link culture and nature through interpretation, education, messaging, and initiatives.  

Housing is not provided. This is an AmeriCorps position and members will serve full-time. AmeriCorps benefits are contingent on the member meeting the 1700 hour minimum requirement, AND serving the full length of the term. 

Benefits:  

• $720 week stipend paid bi-weekly ($600 living stipend + $120 additional member benefit) 

• $6,895 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 1700 hour service term (can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)  

• Option to enroll in free Health, Vision, Mental Health and Dental benefits 

• $1000 professional development fund for certifications, trainings, conferences, and travel 

• Eligibility for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion – noncompetitive hiring status for two years when applying for federal positions. 

• Possible federal student loan forbearance and interest payoff 

• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist  

• Depending upon the academic institution and program, positions may fulfill internship requirements  

• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Some college course work completed in Communications, History, Public Affairs, Public Speaking, or other related subjects 

• Experience working in public facing roles and customer service 

Minimum Requirements:  

To qualify for this AmeriCorps position, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. 

• Possess a valid driver’s license 

How to Apply: 

In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position. Applications are only accepted through our website, www.appalachiancc.org/individualplacements. 

Our Promise: 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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 job functions. 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.