Deadline: Sun, 08/13/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience3 Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Colorado Location Detail: Commerce City, CO 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 Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Members will gain experience in the wide array of habitat and public lands management by working, learning, and networking with various staff members. Past Members have shared that being able to work alongside staff like this has helped them refine and narrow their future careers and understand how FWS serves the American public in a variety of different ways. Supportive duties include: Plan and manage riparian restoration activities around seasonal constraints, such as bald eagle nesting and growing seasons. Work with regional water management staff to monitor water flows and levels. Use hand tools and heavy equipment to excavate and rehabilitate stream edges and build flood structures. Follow endangered species best practices and protocols. Conduct habitat improvement projects such as tree and shrub planting, native grass seeding, invasive species management, irrigation, mowing and haying. Receive training on the safe operation of heavy equipment, off-road vehicles and other equipment used for habitat management and refuge operations. Help managers with construction of refuge infrastructure like wayfinding kiosks, trail signs, exclosures, bison fence, etc. Learn and use a variety of building and maintenance skills such as basic fleet and equipment maintenance, hand and power tool use, facility maintenance such as electrical, plumbing, painting, and wood and metalworking. Learn basic administrative tasks such as tracking fuel and fleet usage and properly making acquisition requests and purchases. Interact with, and help the public during public events, programs, volunteer events, or as a park ranger. Potentially travel to Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge and assist them with their fall elk hunts. Potentially travel to Saratoga National Fish Hatchery and assist them with fall spawning efforts. Collaborate with the Mile High Flood District and Denver Parks and Recreation for habitat management and restoration efforts. 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. 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. 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. 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 minimum of an associate's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject. Basic knowledge of hand and power tools, as well as agricultural, mechanical, or heavy equipment experience. Experience in habitat restoration or land management. Miscellaneous: Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: Physical Demands: Requires frequent standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain. 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds. Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Travel: This position may require domestic travel. 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. Salary: $810/week Benefits: Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $810/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. Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS. Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, hats, etc and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. Travel Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $500 reimbursed for any travel required for the position. 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. Specific training for habitat management and refuge operations will include safe operation of heavy equipment, off-road vehicles, and other equipment used. 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, Andrew Garcia, at 928-419-7035 or agarcia@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.
