Summer Team Leads (2) – Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Summer Team Leads (2) - Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

ACE EPIC placements provide young adults with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers.

Funding for ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults.

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

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking TWO Summer Team Leads to mentor and lead a local high school student summer youth crew through a variety of conservation field projects, community outreach programming, and outdoor recreation experiences at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This premier urban refuge spans 70 miles along the Minnesota River under the shadows of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

During this 16-week term, the ACE members will provide training, supervision, and mentorship to lead a youth crew through a variety of conservation projects both on the refuge and within the Twin Cities community. Additionally, this position will engage youth in first-time outdoor recreation experiences including fishing, paddling, hiking, nature photography, bird watching and biking. Lastly, this position includes facilitating the Conservation Career Discovery virtual curriculum developed by the refuge Internship Coordinator.

This is a rare opportunity to challenge and enhance both your communication and leadership skills while also gaining practical experience in a variety of program areas on a national wildlife refuge. Working as part of the refuge team, this position involves both group and independent work and requires an enthusiastic and flexible individual with strong communication and leadership skills.

Start Date: May 23, 2022

End Date: September 17, 2022

**16-week commitment required**

Location: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge works to connect the vibrant cultures of the Twin Cities metro with the diversity of wildlife and habitat along the Minnesota River. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, the refuge welcomes visitors to enjoy the variety of outdoor experiences the Refuge has to offer. Established in 1976 by motivated residents, the Refuge preserved wildlife resources threatened by commercial and industrial development. Now, the Refuge enhances urban habitat while offering community programs, environmental education, and access to nature on the edge of the city as well as hunting, fishing and hiking in the more wild stretches of the Minnesota River.

The Refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota. Comprised of more than 14,000 acres, the Refuge has multiple units, offering a variety of free outdoor recreational experiences for individuals and families. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge also manages a 14 county Wetland Management District.

The Refuge ranges from urban to rural providing a unique opportunity to enjoy wildlife related recreation in the shadows of skyscrapers and grain elevators. The Refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. It's a place where coyotes, bald eagles, prothonotary warblers, and trout live next door to more than three million people. Each unit offers a variety of attractions and seasonal activities. Individual units may have special regulations, as well as private land within their boundaries. For details about the individual units please refer to trail maps which are available at trailheads and education and visitor centers.

Project Website: For more information about Minnesota Valley NWR, please visit:

https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fws.gov%2Frefu…

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out on alternating weekly schedules, Monday - Friday or Tuesday - Saturday. Some projects may begin very early and/or go late into the day. 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.

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: Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. The member will be working outdoors and may be exposed to heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, and inclement weather.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: ACE and the Refuge will provide a vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the member is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the member is asked to work with. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.