nterpretation & Visitor Services and Outreach Member - Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Interpretation & Visitor Services and Outreach Member to contribute to interpretation projects alongside Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: Late July/early August 2026

Estimated End Date: 52 weeks after start date

*a 52-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (TIMU) - Jacksonville, Florida

TIMU is a 46,000-acre area with individual park sites to visit. Each park site is unique for an aspect of natural or cultural history. The interaction between nature and humans is evident from the spoil islands to the altered wetlands, from the shell middens of the Timucua to the tabby structures of Kingsley Plantation, and from the boat docks of neighboring subdivisions to the introduction of exotic animals and plants. At TIMU you can hear the life stories of the native people who survived in Florida's environment prior to European contact. Learn of the clash of cultures that occurred as nations converged in the New World, from Europeans attempts at colonization to the struggles of enslaved African peoples. Experience more modern trends such as the growing tourism industry and present community efforts to sustain modern life while preserving our local environment and its history.

Jacksonville is a large metropolitan area of almost one million people, but public transportation does not come to the park. The park is within two miles of a grocery store, but most other amenities are not within walking or biking distance. A personal vehicle is required for non-work-related activities.

For more information about Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve (TIMU), please visit the parks website.

Position Overview:

The National Park Service 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 National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resources conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

This position, as an Interpretation & Visitor Services and Outreach Member, helps to fulfill that mission at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. As part of the interpretation team, this position will work at both the Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation sites, alternating from day to day. Duties include:

• Staffing the front desk at Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation, which includes answering visitor questions, providing orientation to the preserve, and administering the junior and senior ranger programs.
• Deliver interpretive programs such as ranger talks and pop-up programs at both Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation.
• Work a cash register as part of the Eastern National Park Store.
• Hiking along uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• Conducting site clean-ups after hurricane events.
• Conducting routine shoreline clean-ups at Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.
• Performing light cleaning duties in the ranger offices and visitor centers.
• Utilize a Window's computer and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Represent the park and the NPS at public outreach events like the 7 Creeks Festival and the Talbot Tidewater Celebration.
• Assist with the Junior Ranger Angler program, which includes teaching ethical angling practices to children
• Working alongside a diverse set of volunteers.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Duties will be primarily carried out Wednesday through Sunday, 8:45am – 5:15pm ET. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $725/week (pre-tax) to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

This position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement must meet the PLC Eligibility requirements to be considered for this position. Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to (NTE) $1,600 (taxed) in reimbursable funds to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process and be approved prior to being reimbursed.

Professional Development: ACE members will have access to up to (NTE) $550 in reimbursable funds to be used for eligible professional development expenses. Approval to utilize funds must first come from the site lead and then communicated to ACE.

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 may include national park policies and procedures, interpretation training (including Making a Difference Through Interpretation), Defensive Driver Training and other assigned online training.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in history, archeology, anthropology, natural sciences, interpretation, or social sciences and/or have relevant experience in a public facing position, public speaking, as a tour guide, camp counselor or working with a government agency.
• Knowledge of interpretation, public speaking skills, customer service best practices, self-awareness and management, and the ability to conduct research.
• Ability and willingness to learn new things, adapt to changing situations, remain aware of cultural sensitivities, follow national and park policy, and be a team player.
• Deep interest in interpretive communication, public engagement, program development, and the cultural and ecological history of Northeast Florida.

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. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Low to moderate noise such as in an office with light office equipment and lawnmowers or loud boats outdoors.
• Travel: This position does not require travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS. 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Member Manager, Maya Opara-Nadi.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.