Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking 1 YCC Crew Lead to contribute to the Youth Conservation Corps program at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge alongside USFWS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: June 3rd, 2024

Estimated End Date: August 9th, 2024

Location details and description:

Located on Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1984, and provides crucial nesting habitat for endangered leatherback sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, and the threatened green sea turtle. The refuge also works to conserve the Aklis pre-historic archaeological site and a stand of the endangered Vahl's boxwood tree. For more information please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sandy-point

Position overview:

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young people ages 15-18. YCC Crew Leads will work alongside the Corps members to guide and lead their daily work.

The YCC focuses on youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Participants gain a variety of experiences from biological monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services. Conducting biological monitoring surveys, shadowing biologists, landscaping, sign maintenance, trail construction and maintenance, community engagement, staffing a visitor center and assisting with educational programs are all examples of the types of experiences these Corps members may have depending on the refuge and the particular needs of the station.

Primary Duties:

Assist refuge staff with program planning and development of YCC activities and resources.
Guide and direct YCC members in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive YCC program experience.
Model and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the safety of the group.
Manage resources appropriately (time, supplies, vehicles, equipment, and personnel).
Support special events and outreach activities to promote the refuge and its mission.
Collect and report accurate and detailed project data as needed including: YCC member timesheets, evaluations, and disciplinary forms. Please note that any disciplinary action will be the responsibility of USFWS staff, not the YCC Crew Lead.
Communicate regularly with refuge staff to provide updates on youth crew accomplishments and challenges.

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: The work schedule will be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Hours may vary depending on the needs of the projects. Primarily work will be done 7:30am to 4:00pm, except on days where turtle monitoring is done in the evening, around dusk.

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.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.

Provided Training and 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

Only local applicants who live within commuting distance of Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge will be considered.
Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, patience and empathy toward others.
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.
Members 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 education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural resources, environmental education, biology, etc.
Competitive applicants will be bilingual in English and Spanish.
Enthusiasm for interacting with people. Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred.
This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.
This position requires time management skills, to ensure that all tasks are completed within the scheduled work hours.

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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. 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: 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 FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS

Please submit your resume, a cover letter indicating your interest, experience and preferred refuge locations, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1081420 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 Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@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.

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