Water Lab & Utility Shop Member – AmeriCorps

Position Title: Water Lab & Utility Shop Member – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Fredericksburg, VA

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 3/30/2025, preference given to applications received before 1/31/25
• Duration: 26 Weeks

• AmeriCorps Hours Slot: 900 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements (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 Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. The Water Lab & Utilities Shop 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, gloves, hard-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).

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP is looking for an intern who will be working daily with a utility operator - doing chlorine testing, water testing, hydrant flushes, plant maintenance, wastewater maintenance, inspections, pump outs and assist with state requirements with monthly reports. This position will include training and an opportunity to learn and grow in a medium size park within the Facility Management branch.

Description of Duties:

• Assist USRO in the oversight of a Parkwide Utility Infrastructure Project
• Interns will observe contractors completing work on water and wastewater projects and be included in weekly meeting updates.
• Assist USRO in Technical review of Water/Wastewater components of this project.
• Operating light trucks and other vehicles to access systems and move supplies and materials.
• Collect water 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, which includes Lift Stations and Grinder Pumps.
• Conduct routine system checks and monitor chlorine residuals.
• Perform general maintenance and cleanup to pumphouses, treatment plants, laboratory, and vehicles.
• Analyze water 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
• Must be 18-30 years of age, maximum 35 for Veterans with DD-214
• Ability to commit to a 26-week experience of combined training and hands-on work
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• 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.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, climb and walk in all manners of environmental conditions such as rain, mud, and extreme heat or cold.
• Interest in traditional trades or historic preservation
• Driver’s License & personal transportation will be required to report to job site
• Willingness to learn preservation skills and safety protocols.
• Operate as a good team member within work crew and follow daily direction.
• Follow HPTC's project agreement and safety plan.
• Be respectful of all members or crew and supervisor staff

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:

• This position is expected to serve full time 40 hours per week, but exact service schedules may vary depending on travel and project details.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes training on a variety of techniques.
• 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.)
• Opportunity to learn trade secrets from master craftsmen

Benefits:

• $520/wk living allowance + $200/wk additional benefit (equivalent to $18/hr pre-tax)
• AmeriCorps Segal Education Award- $3,697.50 (requires completion of entire internship)
• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority
• Park Housing Available

Evaluation and Reporting:

As a Stewards AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has served their total amount of service hours, 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

Stewards Program Coordinator

681.666.3621

[email protected]

www.stewardslegacy.org

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. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps requirements. 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.