Visitor Services Support Member - National Elk Refuge, WY

Visitor Services Support Member - National Elk Refuge, WY

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 (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking One Visitor Services Support Member to provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff at The National Elk Refuge.

Start Date: July 2022

End Date: July 2023

**52-week commitment required**

Location: The National Elk Refuge, WY

The National Elk Refuge is one of those national wildlife refuges. Located in the heart of the 22-million acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the National Elk Refuge provides critical habitat for a number of species, including elk, bison, pronghorn, swans, eagles, and trout.

The Refuge is six miles wide at its widest point and ten miles long from southwest to northeast. The elevation varies from 6,200 feet to 7,200 feet. The Teton Range, visible to the west, rises to 13,775 feet at the summit of Grand Teton. The valley and surrounding mountains show classic examples of glaciation.

The northern half of the Refuge consists of steep, rolling hills. The southern half is glacial washout material, with one resistant formation -- Miller Butte -- rising approximately 500 feet above the valley floor.

Much of the Refuge consists of grassy meadows and marshes on the valley floor. The flood plain forest along the Gros Ventre River contains blue spruce, narrowleaf cottonwood, aspen, and willow as major species. There are extensive areas of big sagebrush and rocky outcroppings. The forested areas of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and aspen are mostly on the northern slopes of the Gros Ventre hills.

For more information about the National Elk Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national-elk/about-us

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Tuesday - Saturday. 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.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,345.00) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment 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 the following priorities:

Implementing year-one priorities identified in the National Elk Refuge Visitor Interpretive Experience Plan (VIEP)

Continue the National Elk Refuge Podcast (in the works right now) including: planning for the next season of episodes; planning, recording, and editing episodes; promoting the podcast through social media, website, and the visitor center

Operating the National Elk Refuge Visitor Center, including: opening and closing facility, greeting visitors, and providing helpful and accurate information to enhance their refuge experience

Conducting environmental education programs for K-12 students and interpretive programs for the visiting public

The Visitor Services Support Member will be responsible for the following tasks, with proper training and direction from FWS staff:

Implement a minimum of 4 priorities identified in the Visitor Interpretive Experience Plan (VIEP)

Plan, record, and edit a minimum of 1 season of episodes (6-10 episodes) for the podcast

Conduct a minimum of 5 environmental education programs or public interpretive programs

Participate in a minimum of 5 learning opportunities hosted by the refuge, NCTC, or partners

In order to ensure a well-rounded experience, this person may also assist with natural resource management activities, irrigation, or working with the National Elk Refuge's many partners. These duties will provide the selectee with the opportunity to reach a diverse group of people and to develop knowledge and appreciation of the local environment and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

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. The Visitor Services Support 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.