Deadline: Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: American Conservation Experience Job Field: Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: California Location Detail: Willows, CA Job Description: 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. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Sacramento National Wildlife Complex. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in developing meaningful partnerships with schools and other organizations that serve diverse and non-traditional audiences. Emphasis will be placed on working with communities to provide relevant environmental education and other opportunities that connect the public to National Wildlife Refuges and conservation and also on providing visitors with information about the Refuges and their resources. The incumbent will assist with identifying and building partnerships in surrounding communities, assist with implementing environmental education and interpretive programs, help provide visitors with information about the Refuges and their resources, and complete various other duties to support the visitor services program as needed. This position will provide a good overview of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife and people in Northern California. 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. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks: Implementing basic visitor service program duties such as: helping provide visitors with information about the Refuge, conducting formal/informal interpretation at wildlife observation areas and auto tour routes, and updating informational kiosks and brochure racks. Assisting refuge staff with identifying and building partnerships with local schools and community organizations that serve diverse, and non-traditional audiences. Conducting environmental education on and off-site for school groups and community organizations. Working with groups conducting on and offsite habitat restoration projects including pollinator gardens and schoolyard habitats. Working on a variety of habitat projects such as keeping up the native plant garden (gardening, watering, weeding, planting plants, etc.), monitoring native plants and monarch butterflies, collecting native plant seeds, and monitoring wood duck boxes. 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. Schedule: Duties will tentatively be carried out between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm Pacific, Monday-Friday, 5 days/week (5/8s but may include some weekend work for special youth and veteran hunts, festivals, or fairs.). Supervisor and member will collaborate together on setting member schedules. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. 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 current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID’s upon hiring) If eligible to drive, 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 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 Strong writing, communication and organizational skills. Strong public speaking skills Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time. 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 Bachelor's degree (education or experience in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred) Enthusiasm for interacting with people and learning 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. Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting. A personal vehicle is highly suggested for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores Miscellaneous: 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. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Sacramento National Wildlife Complex. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in developing meaningful partnerships with schools and other organizations that serve diverse and non-traditional audiences. Emphasis will be placed on working with communities to provide relevant environmental education and other opportunities that connect the public to National Wildlife Refuges and conservation and also on providing visitors with information about the Refuges and their resources. The incumbent will assist with identifying and building partnerships in surrounding communities, assist with implementing environmental education and interpretive programs, help provide visitors with information about the Refuges and their resources, and complete various other duties to support the visitor services program as needed. This position will provide a good overview of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife and people in Northern California. 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. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks: Implementing basic visitor service program duties such as: helping provide visitors with information about the Refuge, conducting formal/informal interpretation at wildlife observation areas and auto tour routes, and updating informational kiosks and brochure racks. Assisting refuge staff with identifying and building partnerships with local schools and community organizations that serve diverse, and non-traditional audiences. Conducting environmental education on and off-site for school groups and community organizations. Working with groups conducting on and offsite habitat restoration projects including pollinator gardens and schoolyard habitats. Working on a variety of habitat projects such as keeping up the native plant garden (gardening, watering, weeding, planting plants, etc.), monitoring native plants and monarch butterflies, collecting native plant seeds, and monitoring wood duck boxes. 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. Schedule: Duties will tentatively be carried out between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm Pacific, Monday-Friday, 5 days/week (5/8s but may include some weekend work for special youth and veteran hunts, festivals, or fairs.). Supervisor and member will collaborate together on setting member schedules. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. Salary: $750/week Benefits: Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $750/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term. 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 here. 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 defensive driving if driving a government vehicle and FISSA training for computer access. 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 Program Manager Nich Jackosky at njackosky@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.
