Deadline: Mon, 04/18/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Wildlife GIS/Technology Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Regional/Multiple Location Detail: Full-time travel, start in FL Job Description: USFWS National Trail Inventory Field Team Members – Nationwide/Traveling 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 (USFWS), is seeking TWO (2) National Trail Inventory Field Team Members (one 2-person team) to implement the National Trail Inventory project on USFWS lands across the U.S. Applications will be considered both from individuals and pairs applying as a team of two. During this term, the ACE members will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS and ACE staff in walking or driving trail segments and collecting a variety of spatial and attribute information on existing trail systems. These positions require sustained travel throughout the nation and selected candidates will not have a central or primary work location during their term. This opportunity is intended for committed young professionals with trails inventory, maintenance, or construction experience. Those with long-distance hiking or significant travel experience are also encouraged to apply. Start Date: May 2, 2022 (flexible) End Date: September 2, 2022 **18-week commitment required** Location: This is a field-based, highly mobile position requiring sustained and extended travel. Team members will be traveling to USFWS lands nationwide throughout the entirety of the term without a central or primary work location. Lodging and transportation will be provided for the duration of the term. The starting location will be Orlando, FL, with the majority of the work locations being in Alaska, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday, but may involve some work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE for approval. Living Allowance: The ACE Members will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $400/week, distributed biweekly. Housing: ACE members will be provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Housing will consist of a combination of tent camping, refuge bunkhouses, hotels/motels, and/or housing rentals. Expect to have to pack and unpack frequently, including camping supplies, sometimes as often as every day. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. Position Description: The USFWS National Trail Inventory Program is part of an ongoing, nationwide effort to compile a comprehensive and accurate database for all trails and trail assets located on USFWS lands. Having updated and accurate trail information is important so that the agency can make informed management and maintenance decisions regarding trail systems in the future. Trail Inventory Field Team Members will be part of a larger ACE team charged with the collection of a variety of spatial and attribute information on existing trails systems across diverse USFWS lands. This position is highly mobile and will require extended and frequent travel and the ability to be adaptive to ever changing locations, situations, and environmental conditions. The team will travel to an estimated 25 stations and members will be hiking up to 10 miles of trails a day. Some stations will consist of almost exclusively ATV trails. The members will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS and ACE staff in the following: Participation in trail inventory data collection training. Other training may include off-road utility vehicles (ORUV) training and bear firearm and safety training. Continuous travel to national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries across the nation, spending on average 1-3 days at each location. Conducting daily trail inventory activities: walking or driving trails in all weather and recording trail data (e.g., location, length, slope, condition, deficiencies) using GPS-enabled technology. Providing appropriate documentation (e.g., photos, data points) of trail features. Coordinating with the ACE Trail Inventory Team, station staff, and others to ensure data is complete and accurate and delivered in the required format by determined deadlines. Participating in check-in calls with the ACE Trail Inventory Team to report progress and discuss obstacles. Assisting in processing field data and other project-related tasks. Assisting with other tasks specific to the assigned FWS station, as time permits. Qualifications: Qualifications: Applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have interest in subject areas such as recreation, natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject. Required U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Willingness to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions. Ability to work, travel, and live with a teammate for the duration of the field season. Willingness to be flexible regarding travel, housing, and worksite plans. Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization (USFWS) in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Preferred: Education and/or experience in data collection, trails construction/maintenance, or natural resource management. Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner. Experience identifying and addressing challenges before they become issues. A high degree of maturity, professionalism, and self-awareness. Strong desire to enter public service as a conservation professional. Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS. Good communication skills and strong attention to detail. Miscellaneous: Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: ACE will provide a vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the member is asked to do. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to ACE and FWS equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. 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 primarily performed outdoors. The ACE members 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. Salary: $400/week, free housing included, eligible for AmeriCorps education award of $2,417.14 Benefits: AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($2,417.14) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service 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 How to Apply: To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional references to the online application page for this position here: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusaconservation.ap…. If applying as a team, please submit separate applications and speak to your interest and ability to work together effectively in your cover letters. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS National Trail Inventory Project Manager, Katie Lyon, 336-590-6768, or klyon@usaconservation.org. Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term. 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.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional references to the online application page for this position here: https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusaconservation.ap…. If applying as a team, please submit separate applications and speak to your interest and ability to work together effectively in your cover letters. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS National Trail Inventory Project Manager, Katie Lyon, 336-590-6768, or klyon@usaconservation.org. Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term. 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.
