Position Description
Project Location: Padre Island National Seashore
Program Dates: May 1, 2023 – October 29, 2023
Hours:
Hours will vary based on scheduling.
Members will serve either a schedule of Sunday through Thursday OR Tuesday through Saturday.
Schedule before and after egg hatching season:
7:30a – 3:30p OR 8:00a – 4:30p
Schedule during egg hatching season:
5:00p – 1:30p OR 10:00p – 8:30a
ResponsibilitiesMay conduct daytime patrols on beaches to detect nesting sea turtles, stranded sea turtles and hatchlings. May conduct nighttime patrols to release sea turtle hatchlings. Aids with documentation, investigation, and protection of nesting sea turtles, sea turtle nests. May aid with attachment of various types of tags to nesting Kemp’s ridley and other sea turtles; retrieval, transport, and care for sea turtle eggs; transport and release of sea turtle hatchlings. May stay overnight in Recreational Vehicle (RV) for up to 5 nights a week to aid with egg care and release sea turtle hatchlings (June through October).
Aids with documentation of live and dead stranded sea turtles found washed ashore on the beach or in the bay/channels. Aid with transport of live and dead sea turtles. May perform necropsies on dead sea turtles, collect specimen samples and analyze unhatched sea turtle eggs. May participate in various special studies and projects regarding live turtle capturing and surveys. Will communicate and contact visitors and volunteers to exchange and provide information on nesting sea turtles, stranded sea turtles and hatchlings.
May operate a four-wheel drive vehicle and Utility-Transport Vehicles (UTV) to conduct field activities, transport gear to other patrollers in the field, transport live and dead turtles, transport eggs and hatchlings. Driving is often on remote, rough and unstable sandy beaches. Necessary training, work vehicles, safety gear, and routine camping gear will be provided.
May use computer to enter nesting and stranded sea turtle data using standard database, word processing and spreadsheet programs. May use specialized computer software to prepare reports, figures, tables, label images, and other material to document field and survey activities. Performs occasional maintenance and troubleshooting of four-wheel drive vehicles, UTVs, communication radios, and other field equipment. Loads, unloads, and maintains material and gear.
Member Qualifications (Essential Functions)
- Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- Local candidates only
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one;
- Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;
- Ability to pass SCA’s AmeriCorps criminal history background check. Passion for the great outdoors
It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position involves walking, bending, stooping, standing, sitting, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Will be required to drive a Utility Transport Vehicle (UTV) and/or four-wheel drive vehicle for an extended period of time, often up to 10 hours. The work schedule may include a variety of work shifts, including working day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Member Benefits
- Members will be engaged in a national network of professional resources and a peer group.
- Compensation:
- $505 weekly living allowance
- $1100 relocation travel allowance, one time
- $50 weekly commuting allowance
- Housing provided
- Upon successful completion of service, a $3,247.50 AmeriCorps Education Award (900 Minimum Service Hours)*
- AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program
- Trainings provided:
- AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy
- AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination
- Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
- Sexual Harassment & Maintaining a Positive Workplace
- Risk Management 101
- Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc.
*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
2023 Tentative Schedule
*Please note – this is a tentative schedule. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.
- 05/01/23 – 05/05/23: National Direct Program (Virtual) Orientation & On-Site Training
- 05/08/2023- 10/22/2023: Field Season
- 10/23/2023 – 10/29/2023: Last week of service & Final wrap up
Hours
Hours will vary based on scheduling. Members will serve either a schedule of Sunday through Thursday OR Tuesday through Saturday. Schedule before and after egg hatching season: 7:30a – 3:30p OR 8:00a – 4:30p. Schedule during egg hatching season: 5:00p – 1:30p OR 10:00p – 8:30a.
Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 26 weeks. Members must achieve a minimum of 900 hours of service within 26 weeks. Specific weekly position schedules may vary depending on the needs of the site.
This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member.
It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants in the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.
Conditions of Employment
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
SCA1957
Position ID: PO-00734749
Expected Dates: May 1, 2023 - October 29, 2023
Location:
20301 Park Road 22
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
US
Training Provided: Member will participate in a 1-week-long required training: 1. Sea Turtle Biology: Nesting & Stranding Training 2. CPR & First Aid Training (when available) 3. NPS Safety Management & Hazardous Communication 4. UTV Safety and Operation Training
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: 1. May participate in the NPS Wellness Program, which includes use of the fitness facilities located at the Park. 2. Attend Ranger-led Interpretive Programs 3. Fishing, birding, swimming, kayaking, shell-hunting
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Wildlife Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
No public or commercial transportation from the Park to local amenities. Morning and evening work shifts when dark, rainy or foggy can be unsafe to walk or ride a bike on unlit narrow highway, where speeding and other dangerous activity may occur.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
B. Partner will pay The SCA to provide housing for the member
Intern will share single family home.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: Yes