Deadline: Mon, 02/13/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Wildlife Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Louisiana Location Detail: Monroe, LA Job Description: Visitor Services Member – Black Bayou Lake NWR 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 non-profit youth and young adult conservation corps in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 1 Visitor Services Member to support FWS Staff at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Northern Louisiana Refuge Complex. During this term, the ACE member will contribute to meaningful conservation projects such as visitor welcoming and orientation, caring for live animals in the Conservation Learning Center, roving outdoor interpretation, outdoor programming, interpretive programming, publication and interpretive sign development, volunteer coordination, and gathering historical information about the Refuge . Start Date: February 2023 End Date: February 2024 **52 week commitment required** Location: Black Bayou Lake NWR, 480 Richland Place, Monroe, LA. For more information about USFWS and the National Wildlife Refuges listed above, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/ Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out on an irregular work schedule which may occasionally include weekends or late afternoon/evening hours. 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 $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Additionally, selectees are eligible for an $590 travel allowance to cover expenses to/from duty station ($295 at the beginning, $295 at the end). Housing: Housing is available at no cost to the member at a bunkhouse located at the Complex Headquarters at D’Arbonne NWR. It is approximately 30 minutes away from Black Bayou Lake. 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. Projects/duties include activities such as operating the Visitor Center to welcome and orient visitors, roving outdoor interpretation, outdoor programming, interpretive programming, assisting with field trips, historical projects, and volunteer coordination. Many field stations have experienced increased visitation over the past 18 months, while being impacted by fewer volunteers and interns to perform key operational functions. Working in Visitor Services your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: -Independently staffing the Visitor Center and welcoming and orienting visitors as well as assisting with field trips and programming for local schools and community groups. -Participates in the development, management, and implementation of a high quality and balanced visitor services program by developing and implementing compatible wildlife-dependent recreation activities. -Consistent with current COVID and safety–related guidelines, provides interpretation, environmental education, and recreation based programming for target audiences, as determined by the field station. Programming may also be virtual. -Coordinates media during visitor service programs, including photography, informational pamphlets, and other informational tools. -Supports Service sites with developing budget enhancement packages, such as: volunteer/friends group grants and assistance with contributed funds accounts. -Participates in the development, coordination, and implementation of site or issue specific outreach and communication. -Identifies potential partnership activities with community organizations and corporations (Scouts, service organizations local governments and businesses). 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. A defensive driving course will be required to be able to operate vehicles during the performance of work activities. 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. Qualifications: Qualifications: Required: -Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. -Willing to learn geographical location of facilities, trails, tour routes, boat ramps, and other recreational areas in order to answer visitor questions -Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group. -U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident -A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). -Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. -Effective communication with visitors via telephone and in person interaction -Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. 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. -Knowledge of interpretive, educational, and recreational programs. Customer Service experience/skills. -Ability and willingness to develop and conduct interpretive and educational programs. -Ability to work independently and as part of a group. -Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and other computer programs -Ability to work in a fast paced/changing environment. Miscellaneous: N/A Salary: $600/week Benefits: N/A How to Apply: To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, 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/900057.html. 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 Member Manager, Johannah McCollum, jmccollum@usaconservation.org, (701)389-2152. 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.
