Overview
RTCA – Sleeping Bear Dunes NL Landscape Architect Individual Placement – AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes NL 9922 Front St, Empire MI 49630
Application Timeline: Preference given to applicants that submit application by Friday, March 7, 2025.
Terms of Service:
Start Date: 6/2/2025
End Date: 8/22/2025
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hour
Purpose:
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host a Landscape Architect Individual Placement.
This Landscape Architect Individual Placement is an AmeriCorps position that will support the NPS Mission of extending the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation. This project connects directly to the NPS mission to provide experiences for ALL Americans, including people with disabilities. The project will enable the Midwest Region Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to better understand, support and deliver inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.
The individual selected for this opportunity will develop a comprehensive list of inclusive park experiences for people with disabilities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. They will work closely with park staff to inventory and develop recommendations that improve trail and lakeshore accessibility. The selected individual will:
1) Provide design solutions that provide accessible beach access at 3 points along the lakeshore
2) Develop site design solutions at a popular trailhead that improves accommodations for equestrian use while minimizing additional impervious surface and visual impact
3) investigate modern recreation technology to support staff that currently sell and confirm entrance passes; This work will be used as a study for future development at other areas of the National Lakeshore
4) Present final conceptual drawings and plans to Park Leadership, Park and Regional Accessibility Specialists and Regional RTCA Program Manager.
Description of Duties:
Work closely with NPS staff to identify accessibility issues and barriers to address.
Assistance with data collection, planning, and design.
Develop concept design plans and visual support drawings for recommended site improvements.
Develop maps, plans and graphics required for existing condition analysis and planned recommendations.
Compile and present the final report and its findings to NPS staff and leadership.
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
Applicants must be between ages of 18-30 years old, or up to 35 for veteran, based on Public Land Corps Act of 1993 authorizing this AmeriCorps opportunity.
Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of 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.
Required Skills:
xperience with AutoCAD or Civil3D
Experience with GIS and LiDAR
Experience in site design and park planning.
Seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in landscape architecture, community planning/development, environmental studies/science/policy/management/planning, natural resource management, or related field.
Special consideration will be given to individuals between their 3rd and 4th year of their undergraduate degree or graduate students about to enter the final year of their degree program.
About Stewards Individual Placements
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) 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.
