ACE: Visitor Services Member, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, UT - Americorps Eligible
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Complex is seeking 1 Visitor Services Member to help with volunteer coordination and visitor services based projects at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, UT.
The selected individual will work directly with FWS staff to provide information and environmental interpretation to a large diverse audience of over 100,000 visitors a year. They will help coordinate the operations and staffing of the Wildlife Education Center on the Refuge. The individual will keep up to date on, and implement safety protocols related to COVID-19, visitor management, and safety. They will help develop outreach and interpretation materials for refuge visitors and partners. Furthermore, the individual will work with local conservation organizations and through social media to broaden the impact of outreach efforts. The individual will work directly with the FWS staff in support of conservation strategies to expand or enhance existing visitor opportunities on and off the Refuge, help support and maintain high visitation areas, work with volunteers, and perform other outreach related duties.
Start Date: February 1st, 2022
End Date: January 31, 2023
*1-year (52 week) commitment required*
Location: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, UT
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge lies along the eastern edge of the Pacific Flyway and the western edge of the Central Flyway, making it an important resting, feeding, and nesting area for birds in both flyways. Of more than 200 bird species that use the refuge, 67 species nest on the refuge. American avocets and black-necked stilts nest by the thousands along refuge dikes and roads. White-faced ibis nest in dense emergent vegetation in large colonies of up to 10,000 birds.
Today, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge contains nearly 80,000 acres of marsh, open water, uplands, and alkali mudflats. The marshes and open water are managed using a complex system of dikes and water control structures to provide a variety of water depths suitable for the needs of different water bird species. The Refuge is an excellent place to observe wildlife along a 12-mile auto tour route, as well as enjoying hunting, fishing and wildlife photography.
Project Website: To learn more about the Bear River Migratory Bird NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bear_River_Migratory_Bird_Refuge/
To learn more about ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Age Requirements: Funding for many ACE positions is provided by a federal program
designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults and therefore is subject to minimum and maximum age requirements of 18-30 (35 for veterans).
This position requires ACE or FWS vehicle operation in the performance of the duties and
therefore the minimum age to be considered is 21.
Compensation: The ACE member will receive a living allowance of $425/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 1700 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,095) upon successful completion of service hours.
Housing: Refuge housing is available at no cost to the selected candidate.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31.
Duties for this position will include:
Region 6 National Wildlife Refuge System Urban Wildlife Conservation Program Development:
- Coordinate with the Visitor Services Team and other FWS staff on Visitor Services related projects;
- Help staff the Wildlife Education Center to as needed, address any logistical needs, and welcome visitors;
- Develop and conduct research for interpretive programs and products including resource materials, pamphlets and brochures, utilizing interpretive techniques for communicating refuge management messages;
- Assist in strengthening and conducting outreach for the Refuge's Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. This program focuses on engaging diverse urban communities in nature-based experiences;
- Develop awareness and knowledge of the local culture and community, help broaden and deepen the connections with nature, and increase knowledge of engagement opportunities that are culturally relevant to the community.
Further Notes on the vacancy:
- The selected individual has contact with supervisor, refuge staff, research associates, visiting research personnel, refuge volunteers, local private landowners, and the general public.
- The individual is supervised by the Visitor Services Manager. The supervisor specifies objectives, scope of assignments, methods, and techniques as well as advises on new policies and procedures. Work progress is reported to the supervisor on a daily basis with periodic review for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to instructions.
- Physical demands vary with the task being performed. The work involves moderate to strenuous physical exertion including bending, climbing, stretching, walking long distances over rough, wet, uneven surfaces. Work may involve lifting items up to 50 pounds.
- The duties require a mix of indoor and outdoor work. The individual is expected to perform duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, co-workers, or property when entrusted.
- Due to COVID-19 work duties may change through the course of the position and include more independent, self-paced work.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing a degree) in environmental education, education, wildlife biology, general biology, environmental science, natural resource management, parks and recreation, ecology or other related disciplines appropriate to the position or equivalent job experience in the realm of outreach, interpretation or education.
Required:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Funding for many ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults and therefore is subject to minimum and maximum age requirements of 18-30 (35 for veterans)
- Must have a personal vehicle or be 21 years of age to drive an agency vehicle
- Knowledge of natural sciences
- Ability to work 40 hours/week independently without direct supervision as well as part of small teams
- Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed
- Desire to work with diverse audiences in an Urban Refuge setting
- Writing skills with an understanding of basic grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Organization skills and attention to detail
- Ability to effectively communicate with supervisor and coworkers
- Flexibility to meet changing priorities
- Ability to work in very hot, dry, and changing weather conditions
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office software
- Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check
- A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation
- Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved
- ACE Emerging Professionals must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Preferred:
- Education in wildlife biology, ecology, social or conservation science
- Experience leading volunteers or comparable groups
- Experience working at a nature center or visitors center
- Bilingual in Spanish
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.