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Project Title: River Conservation Fellow


Project Type: Hybrid


Duration: 52 weeks (12 months). Target start date, January 6, 2025


Location: National Park Service, Partnership Wild & Scenic Program; Springfield, MA


Housing: Must be secured by fellow. A housing stipend of up to $700 per month will be provided.


Project Background: The National Park Service and the Hispanic Access Foundation are seeking assistance for program development, community engagement, natural resource protection and climate resilience, and other special projects that better promote and build awareness and support for the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program (PWSR).
Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers (PWSRs) are a unique category of protected rivers managed through long- term partnerships between the National Park Service and local, regional and state stakeholders. This locally-driven, collaborative planning and management approach to river conservation is an effective alternative to direct federal management and administration. Nationally-designated River protection, supported with federal funding, benefit from the hundreds of committed people contributing thousands of their volunteer hours and donating professional and other in-kind services to protect, manage and enhance our national "Outstandingly Remarkable Values" for each river. Staff in Region 1 of the National Park Service support this program. You can expect to: 

  • Develop a strong understanding of the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program through research,
    hands-on work, and networking with National Park Service staff and partners.
  • Support Partnership Wild and Scenic River staff with the development and implementation of new river
    initiatives, river protection programs, natural resources projects, and projects that move the program
    toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all.
  • Engage with other National Parks Service staff, partners, and fellows to develop guidance relating to
    climate resiliency along rivers.
  • Expand upon existing partnerships and communication efforts developed by Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers staff.
  • Cultivate new and future partners through community engagement.
  • Pursue your own professional development and career interests.
  • Advance NPS Strategic Priorities: Healthy Workforce; Tribal and Descendent Collaboration; Collaborative Stewardship; Diversity Recruitment; Supportive Networks; and Visitor Experiences

Project Duties:

  • Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program growth (20%): Support the startup of new river designations in the region (pending).
  • Participate in collaborative regional river protection efforts and related community-based organization
    engagement.


Programmatic Initiatives (20%):

  • Work with other Partnership Wild and Scenic River Fellows to assist National Park Service staff in
    developing guidance resources, compile a resource library and sample business documents, and
    develop a shared drive/space for partners to learn and collaborate.
  • Participate on subcommittee(s)/workgroup(s) of the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating
    Council or NPS Wild and Scenic Steering Committee.

Natural Resources Projects (20%):

  • Work with National Parks Service staff and other Fellows to develop a list of climate resilient tree/plant species for the riparian areas of mid-Atlantic and northeast region rivers.
  • Work with other Fellows to develop guidance documents/fact sheets on green infrastructure that will benefit rivers.


River Partner Assistance (20%):

  •  Assist staff in developing long term success reports for rivers.
  • Assist River Stewardship Councils with River Management Plan updates.
  • Work with staff to develop and deliver workshops to educate River Stewardship Councils on best practices for rivers.
  • Attend River Stewardship Council meetings for all Southern New England Rivers.
    Visitor Use Management (10%):
  •  Provide Visitor Use Management planning support for rivers.
  • Regional coalition building to garner support for interagency project cooperation ahead of Visitor Use
  • Management planning processes.
    Professional Development (10%):
  •  Participate in mentoring and professional development opportunities that match career goals. 

 

This position is largely office/desktop based, with ideally at least one day per week in the Springfield, MA office. Work will be a combination of independent work and work on virtual teams, with the opportunity to meet and connect with other NPS teams in the office. The fellow will also attend a few in-person meetings, field trips, and events interspersed through the year. You will be working directly with Liz Lacy, Natural Resource Specialist with the Lower Farmington River and Eight Mile River, a variety of other National Park Service staff,
as well as a 3-person fellows cohort within the Partnership Rivers program. Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies or Natural Resources with a strong background in
    community planning and ecology; or similarly rigorous work experience in these fields.
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with a variety of people to develop and maintain strong partner networks
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Experience researching, developing, and publishing content for a variety of venues, platforms, and
    media outlets.
  • Communicate effectively in Spanish.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Age under 30 years old as of January 2024 (up to 35 for veterans).
  • US citizenship or permanent residency. Fellows must undergo a government background check if selected.
  • Available to work full-time (40 hours per week).
     

Working Conditions:

  • Shared office space available with individual workstation, office supplies, laptop computer, and cell phone (if possible).
  • Option for telework.

 

Stipend + Benefits:

  •  A biweekly stipend of $1,200 ($15/hr) based on a 40-hour workweek.
  • Monthly housing stipend up to $700 per month.
  • Travel reimbursement to defray cost of relocation travel to and from duty station.
  • Health insurance coverage, optional enrollment.
  • Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)
  • Public Land Corp Eligibility – after completing 960 hours, PLC status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.

 

Application:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Veronica Torres, veronicat@hispanicaccess.org.

 

Applications for this position are due on Friday, November 15, 2024, 11:59 pm.

 


Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
 

Org Mission:
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 Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers (PWSRs) is a unique category of protected rivers managed through long-term partnerships between the National Park Service and local, regional and state stakeholders. This locally-driven, collaborative planning and administration. Nationally-designated river protection, anchored by
federal funding, benefits from hundreds of committed people contributing thousands of their volunteer hours and donating professional and other in kind services to protect, manage and enhance our national “Outstandingly Remarkable Values” for each river. Staff in Region 1 of the National Park Service support this program.
 

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:
Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum
improving the future of America.