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 Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a Maintenance and Conservation Corps Lead for a 26-week term to help with a variety of maintenance and resource management projects at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge located along the Atlantic coast in southern New Jersey.
The ACE member will work on a variety of facilities, maintenance, habitat restoration, and trail projects to improve access, maintain building function, protect nesting piping plover populations, and ensure a positive and safe experience for visitors. Additionally, this position will assist with the mentorship and leadership of the ACE youth summer program engaging local high school teens in conservation field projects within the Refuge.
This is a rare opportunity to challenge and enhance both your communication skills and conservation training by gaining practical experience in a variety of program areas on a national wildlife refuge. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a background in maintenance, natural resource management, facility operations, outdoor leadership and a deep interest in advancing their career goals in conservation and land stewardship. Working as a member of the refuge team, the member will help with projects ranging from facilities and trail maintenance to endangered species management to youth outdoor leadership. The position involves both group and independent work, including leading a local high school group on stewardship projects for several weeks on site, help with Interpretation signs, plant inventories, maintenance work, invasive species management. This will allow for an all-around view of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife and people in the Northeast.
Start Date: April 11, 2022
End Date: October 8, 2022
**26-week commitment required**
Location: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; Galloway, New Jersey
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration. For more information about Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, please visit:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe/.
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday. 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.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the refuge.
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:
The selected candidate will focus 18-weeks of this opportunity on facilities and field maintenance at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The remaining 8- weeks of this position will focus on assisting with the facilitation and leadership of the Refuge’s local summer high school Youth Conservation Corps program in partnership with ACE.
Primary Duties include:
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 Maintenance and Conservation Corps Lead 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.
Qualifications:
Required:
Preferred:
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/.
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 Division Support Specialist, Claire Barnwell, cbarnwell@usaconservation.org, (585) 484-7626.
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.
https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/727156.html