Deadline: Mon, 03/27/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Wildlife Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Wyoming Location Detail: Jackson Job Description: Visitor Services Support Member - National Elk Refuge, WY Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to visitor services projects alongside National Elk Refuge Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Start Date: March 2023 Estimated End Date: September/October 2023 Location Details/Description: The National Elk Refuge, Jackson, WY 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 Position Overview: 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. 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) - Implementing the National Elk Refuge Podcast including: planning for a 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. 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 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. 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 may include introduction to delivering interpretive programs, overview of environmental education, and on the job training. 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 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. - 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 a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural history, environmental education, outdoor recreation, botany, natural resource management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. - Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting. - Ability and willingness to interact with people and learn how to assist visitors to enjoy refuge resources responsibly through interpretation, customer service, and facility maintenance. - Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions. - A personal vehicle is highly suggested for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to stores and recreational opportunities. Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: - Physical Demands: May require frequent sitting, standing, walking, using hands to handle or feel, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. - Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled. Some outdoor conditions may be encountered where work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. - Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. - Travel: This position may require domestic travel. - 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. Salary: $550/week Benefits: Position Benefits Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $550/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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process. Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $400 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes work boots and field gear (durable pants, rain gear), and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 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 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.
