Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Buffalo Field Office, is seeking one Recreation Program Member to contribute to their outdoor recreation and education summer projects alongside BLM Staff.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Start Date: Mid to Late May 2024
Estimated End Date: September 2024 *16 weeks after the start date*
Location Details/Description:
Primarily Buffalo, WY with occasional work in Newcastle, WY.
For more information about the BLM Buffalo Field Office, please visit https://www.blm.gov/office/buffalo-field-office
Position Overview:
The Buffalo and Newcastle Field Offices (BFO and NFO respectively) are providing an opportunity for one Recreation Program Member to gain hands-on experience in the fields of outdoor education and recreation.
Outdoor Recreation
The Recreation Program Member's primary responsibility will be the facilitation and implementation of the outdoor science education and recreation programs put on throughout the summer season. Each summer, the Buffalo Field Office and Newcastle Field Office conduct several education events, ranging from one-day events to a five-day overnight event with students from age 6 - 17. During the 5-day program, the Recreation Program Member will camp with the students (middle school age). The Recreation Program Member will have some freedom in deciding the topics and lesson plans, but subjects need to be related to science and/or outdoor ethics. Candidates for this position will have the chance to develop skills in curriculum development, lesson planning, and non formal teaching in an outdoor setting. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a unique project based on their skills and interests that will benefit the recreation programs in BFO and NFO. Additional projects include trail and recreation site maintenance, travel management planning, and visitor contacts. The intern will have opportunities to experience what other BLM specialists do, and will be encouraged to explore other career options, provide ideas and input, and research ways to improve the recreation program.
BLM Cross-Training
The Recreation Program Member will have the opportunity to shadow other departments in the BLM. The intern may work with other programs as needed and as time allows, including sensitive species plant surveys, rangeland monitoring, fire/fuels management, wildlife management, water flow data collection, and more.
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: Typically Monday - Friday between the hours of 8am - 5pm MST. Occasional weekend and evening shifts may be necessary for project needs.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM BFO and ACE and is not flexible.
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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the BLM BFO.
Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.
Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Examples of eligible gear for this position would be boots, rain-gear, or a backpack. All must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
- Willingness and enthusiasm for working with children and teenagers.
- Ability and willingness to hike over long distances.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- 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.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
Preferred:
- Deep interest in recreation management, public lands, and conservation.
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
- Physical Demands:
- 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 25 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.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
- Travel: The interns will be stationed in the Buffalo Field Office, where most of the work will occur. Approximately 10% of the work will occur in the Newcastle Field Office. Travel to and from Newcastle will be with the Outdoor Recreation Planner.
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: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM BFO,
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/1087514 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 Member Manager, Sheana Ward at or sward@usaconservation.org.
EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.