Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Fisheries Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Wildlife GIS/Technology Policy/Administrative Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Louisiana Location Detail: Lacombe, LA Job Description: 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 at the Southeast Louisiana Complex. Primary duties will include delivering environmental education programs to students at the refuge and local schools. Duties will include the following: Deliver formal environmental education programs on the refuges and in area classrooms; if time permits, develop educational and interpretation programs for students and/or general public; staff visitor center; assist with public canoe and natural history tours; staff visitor center; and prepare for and staff special outreach events on the refuges and in the community. Intern will gain experience at other refuges of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges complex with activities such as (but not limited to) biology, restoration projects, citizen science opportunities and more. Operation of a refuge vehicle is required. Environmental education programs may include intensive, hands-on programs on the refuges, as well as classroom presentations in schools throughout St. Tammany Parish (LA Northshore), metropolitan New Orleans and its suburbs. Work may include riding in airboats and other watercraft and possible operation of ATVs or UTVs. 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. Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday, 8-4:30 pm. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends. Time off for federal holidays may be granted, and additional requests for time off should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. Qualifications: Minimum Requirements: - 2 year degree in forestry, horticulture, environmental science or closely related field OR in lieu of a degree, 2 years of experience in Utility Vegetation Management or other related field (Ex. general Right-of-Way management, Integrated Vegetation Management, nursery work or timber cutting, etc.) - Vegetation management experience preferred - Competent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite - Experience working with GIS integrated data collection software/hardware preferred but not required - Candidate must be self-motivated, organized, production oriented - Candidate must be comfortable working in an independent environment and managing a geographical area for all vegetation related activities - Candidate must be able to work with stakeholders, utility customers and line clearance vendors and have excellent interpersonal skills - Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills - Multi-tasking and strong time management skills required - Ability to work in varied terrain and inclement weather with flexible schedules (available nights and weekends as needed) - Valid driver's license required 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. -A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). -Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-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 or as defined by AmeriCorps. -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 a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have interest in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject. -Excellent oral and written communication skills. -Ability and willingness to develop and conduct interpretive and educational programs. -Deep interest in working with students and visitors of all ages in interpretive and educational programming. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: -Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, 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. -Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus. -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 does not require unique travel. Miscellaneous: Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. 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. " $400/week "Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hrs. Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required. Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Refuge housing is available. The refuge bunkhouse has been recently renovated. However, WiFi is spotty and TV is antenna only. Intern is suggested to bring their own laptop. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear 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. Salary: $400/week 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/990587.html. 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, Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@usaconservation.org.
