Public Use Support Member

Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking 1 Public Use Support Member to contribute to day-to day operations at the visitor center alongside Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE members will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of public use permit management, assisting the public with public use permits, and assisting with the general operations of the Visitor Center.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: June 2022

End Date: 40 weeks later

**40-week commitment required

Location: Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge - St. Charles, Arkansas

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 for the protection of migratory birds. It is one of the most important areas for wintering waterfowl in North America. The refuge is also home to the only population of native black bear in the State of Arkansas and is designated as a Wetland of International Importance. Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge annually attracts about 455,000 visits from hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others. The refuge lies mostly in the floodplain of the White River, near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River. Long and narrow and varying from a quarter mile to ten miles wide and approximately sixty miles long, the refuge is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, sloughs, and bayous. The result is a haven for a myriad of native wildlife and migratory birds.

For more information about Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/dale-bumpers-white-river

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $550/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.

Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt. More information can be provided upon request.

Position Description:

This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

List of Duties

Visitor Services (80%)

Assist in staffing the Visitor Center front desk

Assist visitors with acquiring and maintaining refuge permits and hunt surveys

Respond to questions and phone calls on a variety of informational and interpretive topics

Assist visitors with interpretive materials such as brochures, handouts, and interpretive exhibits

Provide accurate information on recreational activities, nearby attractions, and rules and regulations

Perform opening and closing tasks at the Visitor Center

Other Duties (20%)

Assist with general operation and maintenance tasks at the Visitor Center including organizational, cleaning, and grounds maintenance tasks

Assist with biological research requests

Assist field staff with other activities as needed such as refuge events

Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member 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.