Natural Resource Member

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking one member to contribute to natural resource conservation projects alongside NPS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May

Estimated End Date: August/Early September

*a 20-week minimum commitment is required. Start date flexible.

*Important note: Funding for this project is currently secured for four weeks, with an anticipated extension for an additional 16 weeks. We will keep applicants informed as soon as we receive confirmation of extended funding.

Location Details/Description: Walnut Canyon National Monument protects a dense concentration of exceptionally well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings just 10 miles from downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. Established by presidential proclamation in 1915, the monument contains more than 500 archeological sites along 10 miles of Walnut Creek. The deep pools and reliable flow of the creek made the canyon a rare and valuable home for the Northern Sinagua people and supports the rich biological communities of this dry landscape. After the eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano in the 11th century, the population of the area grew significantly and people began constructing dwellings in the limestone alcoves below the canyon rim.

The duty station for this position is in Flagstaff, Arizona.

For more information about Walnut Canyon National Monument, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: This project will concentrate on natural resource conservation projects within the Walnut Canyon National Monument. This project mentors one intern in protecting and restoring public lands through engagement in habitat restoration and park visitor outreach. The intern will repair park lands through invasive plant control activities and native plant restorations. Restoration work will include the collection and storage of native seeds from on-site plant sources; trail, habitat, and soil preparation; and native seed sowing. Park staff will mentor the intern and provide invasive plant, field botany, and entomology training.

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: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: The ACE member will receive a $300/week housing reimbursement.

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. On the job training and mentorship will be provided in natural resource conservation activities including native plant restorations, invasive plant control techniques, native seed collection and planting, and entomology 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 criminal history checks
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, fisheries, entomology, or related discipline.
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the fields of natural resources.
• Experience identifying and managing native and non-native plants.
• Excellent data management, technical writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Experience working outdoors.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: Travel beyond the vicinity of the park is unlikely in this position.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) 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 NPS] or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE’s online application page for this position on our website.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 NPS Western Member Manager, Sabrina Caruso.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO:  Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.