Position Title: NPS Historic Preservation Training Center – Death Valley National Park – Water Lab & Utility Shop Service Member – AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements - East

Site Location: NPS – Death Valley National Park

579 Cow Creek Service Road, Death Valley, CA 92328

Terms of Service:

• Start Date: 03/16/2026
• End Date: 09/11/2026
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900Hours (26 Weeks)

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps affiliated program that provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the health of natural areas. Stewards, in partnership with DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK (DEVA), are seeking two service members to assist in the operation and maintenance of utility systems that support park facilities and the community. Members will be partnered with Utility Systems Repairer Operators to learn about a career in water/wastewater utilities in the National Park Service and US Government.

The Water Lab & Utilities Shop Service Members will work as part of a small team to support Death Valley National Park’s Division of Maintenance. The members will gain their water operator certification and licensure, learn filtration and advanced treatment systems, assist with repairs, and complete a capstone project to develop planning and construction skills in the federal service.

Description of Duties:

• Complete online coursework and self-study to take certification tests.

- Successful completion of testing and registration will qualify the member for permanent employment up to a WG-9 aboard Death Valley National Park

• Select and complete a Capstone Project

- Based on interest in either project planning or construction, the member will be able to lead other personnel to achieve success in providing safe and delicious drinking water to visitors and residents.

• Assist USRO in the oversight of a Parkwide Utility Infrastructure Project.
• Members 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.
• Operate light trucks and other vehicles to access systems and move supplies and materials.
• Complete water treatment processes including filtration and reverse osmosis 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, laboratories, 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.
• Prepare 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
• At least 18 years of age, Veterans up to 35 years of age.
• Ability to commit to a 26-week experience of combined training and hands-on work
• 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.
• A willingness to learn skills and safety protocols.
• Operate as a good team member within work crew and follow daily direction and effective communication.
• Driver’s License is mandatory.
• A bachelor's degree is not required but will allow the member to more easily advance some certifications.
• Eagerness to learn technical skills on advanced water treatment.
• A willingness to put hands on pipes to directly repair system failures at all hours of day and night in extreme temperatures.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that people with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use of 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. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday at a full-time capacity of 40 hours a week, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
• Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• Fully On-Site

Orientation and Training:

• Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Members will work directly with a licensed water operator/repairer to learn the craft of a Utility Systems Repairer Operator.
• Online and in-person trainings relevant to a career in water and wastewater utilities.
• Opportunities to cross train with other divisions or gain certificates that increase employability with the National Park Service as training is available.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50
• Living Allowance of $600 a week + Additional Benefit of $280 a week (equivalent to $22/hr)
• Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority
• Park Housing Available
• Training to gain licensure as treatment and distribution level 1 operators in the State of California.
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible
• Loan forbearance if Eligible
• Interest Payments if Eligible

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.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

STE Program Staff:

Kahla Stewart

Program Coordinator

Stewards Individual Placements

(423) 402-6004

kstewart@conservationlegacy.org

Service Site Staff:

Brian Aillaud

Chief of Maintenance

Death Valley National Park

brian_aillaud@nps.gov

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 accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.