Expected Dates: 7-9-2018 to 9-29-2018

Position Number: PO-00726080

Overview

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the leading federal provider of outdoor recreation and attracts over 335 million visitors annually to our lake and river projects in 43 states. Encouraging public safety for those recreating at our projects and preventing fatalities on our lands/waters are our primary concerns. As a public safety intern you are a part of our team and will work together with our park rangers to encourage public safety, making our areas safer and creating even more enjoyable places to visit.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide educational outreach and interpretive programming, as part of a team that encourages public safety. This includes all aspects of recreation safety on USACE lands and waters to include water, boating, bicycling, hiking, camping, and hunting. The primary focus will be on water and boating safety for all ages with an emphasis on targeting the highest risk group of 20-60 year old males. Your primary responsibility will be educating public visitors regarding public safety through face-to-face contact. This personal contact will take place at beaches, boat ramps, boat patrol, campgrounds, and other venues where you have direct contact with visitors. Additionally, you will be responsible to summarize your contacts and submit a monthly report. Interns will perform a variety of tasks including developing outreach mechanisms for this target audience; updating bulletin boards; maintaining life jacket loaner stations; organizing events; conducting interpretive programs and roving interpretation; writing news releases; possibly conducting media interviews (radio); promoting USACE safety campaigns; developing public service announcements and interacting with park visitors. Interns may be used for search and rescue and as a second (safety) person for boat patrols made by park rangers.

Secondary Responsibilities

Increase safety awareness through communication and lead by example anytime you are near the water or participating in water-related activities. Provide valuable information on how to improve our programs by maintaining open communication with rangers and managers, passing on ideas for improvement gathered during daily contact with visitors. Keep our parks friendly places for outdoor recreation and socialization. Assist park rangers and other employees by performing routine tasks pertinent their natural resources/recreation management and public safety programs.

Location Description

John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a 50,000-acre lake extending 39 miles up the Roanoke River along 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline in Virginia and North Carolina. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are 30 recreation areas around Kerr Reservoir: campsites, swim beaches, picnic areas, hiking, nature trails, marinas all available for public use. There are 26 wildlife management areas on Kerr, totaling over 10,000 acres. In addition to flood control and hydroelectric power, other benefits include fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, forest management, and water supply.

This position is located approximately 1 hour from Richmond, VA and 1 hour from Raleigh, NC

Training Provided

• Interns will participate in a training created by the USACE National Operations Center for Water Safety to provide guidance regarding how to promote water safety effectively and explain educational tools that are available.
• Educational/Recreational Opportunities
• Opportunities will be made available to work outdoors.
• Assist with boat safety patrol when needed.
• Develop initiatives utilizing the media and community partners to promote water safety.

Minimum Qualifications

• Desire to meet and interact with persons from varied ages and backgrounds.
• Desire to promote all aspects of recreation safety, including boating and water safety
• Must wear required uniform clothing while on duty.
• Must possess and maintain a driver’s license
• Familiar with and can use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to navigate campground loops, swim areas and visit campsites, lift 20 lbs and carry 25 feet (position may require extended periods in the outdoors during adverse conditions such as heat, cold or rain.)

Education, Training & Skills Expected

• Communications: some coursework or experience
• Education: some coursework or experience
• Resource Management: some coursework or experience
• Customer Service: some experience
• Money Handling: some experience
• Community Engagement: some experience
• Public Speaking: some experience
• Working with Children: some experience

SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.