Deadline: Fri, 09/01/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Massachusetts Location Detail: USFWS Regional office, Hadley Massachusetts. For more information about the Northeast Regional Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/ Job Description: Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission in the Northeast Region. The Assistant Communications Specialist will assist Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) staff (biologists) who partner with state fish and wildlife agencies, angling, firearms and ammunition manufacturers and conservation organizations throughout the United States to achieve on the ground conservation results. WSFR annually administers over $200 million in about 800 grants primarily to state fish and wildlife agencies to conserve fish and wildlife species and their habitats, provide for aquatic resource and hunter education programs, and expand and improve fish and wildlife-oriented recreation and boating access opportunities for the public. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in the USFWS or natural resources management on public lands out of the Northeast Regional Office, USFWS. General content, material development, and storytelling. - 60% Assists WSFR staff (regionally and nationally) with communicating grant accomplishments with state agencies and industry partners (target audiences identified in WSFR Communications plan, including supporting the Partner with a Payer Initiative. Duties will include developing creative content for Facebook, handouts/publications, trade shows, field and/or facilities tours for use by USFWS/WSFR and/or industry partners. Creating campaigns to raise awareness and increase knowledge of a broad spectrum of grant work related to research, inventory, monitoring and restoration of wildlife, access to public lands, access to shooting ranges, hunter education courses, fishing access sites, fish hatcheries and other conservation accomplishments. Disseminates information via web, direct email, press releases and social media. Helps senior staff with sharing best practices across WSFR staff regionally and nationally. Coordination with Partners and Event Planning - 20% Promote USFWS\WSFR programs, grant accomplishments, initiative’s, products and events that engage state fish and wildlife agencies and specific target audiences as identified in WSFR Communications plans. Assists WSFR senior staff in engaging, coordinating and collaborating with state agency and industry partners. Help to develop and grow relationships with internal audiences and external conservation partners Assists WSFR senior staff in maintaining listing of events, coordinates logistics, scheduling and invitations for events. Tracks enrollment and participation. Research and synthesizes data– 20% Collects information and relevant metrics related to conservation of fish and wildlife species and/or their habitats, public hunting, angling and boating opportunities. Enters select metrics into databases to track program accomplishments, initiative milestones and other outcomes. Synthesizes data related to excise tax programs and grant accomplishments. Works with industry researchers related to trends, research, public opinions and grant accomplishments at the regional and national level. Conducts special projects and research as needed to address emerging needs identified by the program. Project Goals and Objectives Support WSFR program staff in each Region and Nationally with communications efforts regarding program accomplishments of the Wildlife Restoration Program and Sport Fish Restoration Program grant funds and the work of industry partners with state and federal staff in funding conservation. ● Within one year the ACE member will have gained knowledge in the following: o All aspects of communication initiatives with WSFR partners. o Accomplishment of Dingle Johnson, and Pittman-Robertson Grant programs. o Operational collaborative communication initiatives with various conservation organizations. o WSFR Communications plans and initiatives nationally. Project Tasks Tasks include but aren’t limited to the following: ● Entering data into national regional databases as needed. ● Assists with planning and coordinating events and tours for state, federal and industry partners as requested. ● Summarizes information as needed to respond to data calls on grant outcomes. ● Participates in field reviews and facilities tours of WSFR grants and partners when appropriate. ● Develop stories and information for website, fact sheets, blogs and videos. ● Assists senior staff with providing technical assistance to States and industry partners. ● Conducts special projects and research as needed to address emerging needs identified by the program. ● Assists with development of communication products as needed. Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Friday to Tuesday 8:30am-5:00pm. A flexible work schedule may be required, as some work might take place on weekends and may occur on holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. Qualifications: Qualifications Required: ● Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts ● Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ● Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group. ● Effective communication skills ● Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills ● Ability to gather, organize, and interpret literature and relevant source materials ● A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). ● Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check ● Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. ● ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation. ● Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement ● To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Preferred: ● Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as environmental science, sociology, communications, biology, or a related field. ● Strong desire to enter the public service field as a communications\natural resource professional ● Ability to prepare outreach materials including maps, graphics, and figures for social media and both internal and external audiences ● Ability to coordinate and organize field and office tours. ● Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS\WSFR and state fish and wildlife management agencies Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: ● Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. ● Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. ● Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 10 lbs., ability to move up to 25 pounds. ● Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled. ● Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. ● Travel: This position may require domestic travel. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. Benefits: Position Benefits Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. On the job training will be provided by supervisor and other Service staff. How to Apply: To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager Claire Barnwell at (585) 484-7626 or cbarnwell@usaconservation.org EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
