National Park Service - Bat Education AmeriCorps in KY
Position Title: NPS – Bat Education AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
91 Bartlett Park Road, Middlesboro, KY 40965
Terms of Service:
- Anticipated Start Date: 10/20/2025
- Anticipated End Date: 3/6/2026 (20 weeks)
- AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours
Purpose:
Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural and cultural resources. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park was established to conserve and interpret the Cumberland Gap, the First Gateway to the West through which up to 300,000 men, women, and children crossed the Appalachian Mountains between 1780-1810 to reach and settle lands west and shape the formation of the U.S. The Division of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services presents interpretive programs, offers guided tours, conducts curriculum-based educational programs, and provides other services and programs for park visitors and local communities. The park protects several endangered and rare bats, such as the Indiana myotis and the tricolored bat.
The Bat Education AmeriCorps position will serve as a member of the park's interpretation and education team. The AmeriCorps member will assist park staff with educational and community outreach projects to increase understanding and appreciation of the importance of bats to natural areas, raise awareness of white-nose syndrome (WNS), and promote bat conservation. The member will help develop and present curriculum-based educational programs both on-site and in area schools; participate in community events; create online and digital content; and help with special park events and youth-focused activities related to bats, caves, and related topics. The member will serve alongside experienced National Park Service employees supporting bat data analysis, bat monitoring, and other duties.
If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, apply now by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the National Park Service!
To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program
To learn more about Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, please visit: Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Description of Duties:
As an AmeriCorps Member serving with Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Middlesboro, KY, your responsibilities will include:
- Lead a project focused on community outreach and education about bat ecology, white-nose syndrome, and bat conservation.
- Help develop and present curriculum-based educational programs both on-site and in area schools.
- Participate in community events to promote the benefits of bats and encourage bat conservation.
- Create online and digital content related to bats.
- Help develop and assist with special events and youth-focused activities related to bats, caves, and related topics.
- Assist with bat-related data analysis and monitoring.
Qualifications:
- United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
- Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.
- Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
- Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
- Must have a valid Driver’s License.
- Ability to hike at least 2 miles in mountainous terrain.
- Education and/or experience in environmental education, natural resource interpretation, community outreach, or a similar field is preferred.
- Experience and skills in working with youth; ability to interact professionally and courteously with visitors, coworkers, and others with varied backgrounds and perspectives; skills in communication and teamwork; ability to work well independently and with others; and a passion for making a positive difference are desired.
Our Commitment:
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:
- Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours a week Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. This position may require serving on weekends, holidays, and evenings. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
- The member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
- The member will serve fully in person on site.
Orientation and Training:
- The member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
- The member will receive training in curriculum-based education and will serve directly with the park's Education Technician.
- The member will receive training in serving with partners, effective communication, interpretive writing, and graphic design.
- The member will receive training in event planning, community outreach, serving with youth, and public relations.
- The member will receive NPS career guidance and training in operational leadership, CPR/First Aid, and defensive driving.
Benefits:
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14
- Living Allowance of $640 per week.
- Housing may be available for rent at a reduced rate on site.
- Childcare Coverage if Eligible.
- Loan forbearance if Eligible.
- Interest Payments if Eligible.
- Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.
- Training and Professional Development Opportunities.
- Employee Wellness Program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).
- Networking and Mentorship.
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has 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.
Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:
Meaghan Hall
Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator
681-666-3266
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.