Summary

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

For more information about ACE and to apply, please visit: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1022599.html 

Start Date: Late October or asap
Estimated End Date: 24-weeks after the anticipated start date
*a 24-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description:Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located in Boulder City in the arid environment of Southern Nevada. Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America's first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas.

For more information regarding Lake Mead National Recreation Area, please visit the NPS website: https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm

Position Overview:The ACE Fellow will collaborate with NPS staff in planning work activities, doing approximately 50% plant plant nursery operations and approximately 50% vegetation management operations. Duties will include native plant propagation at the Lake Mead NRA native plant nursery and out-planting native plants, salvage and seed collection. Work will include propagation and care (including weeding and irrigation) of plants at the nursery, mixing soil and filling plant containers, documenting propagation protocols, moving heavy plant containers around yard, pest control, assisting in maintenance of facility, seed collection and data management, and installing plants at restoration sites. Other projects will likely include assisting NPS with decommissioning and rehabilitating abandoned road and off-road vehicle disturbance; assessing, repairing, constructing off-road barriers and ungulate management fences and other tasks associated with Mojave Desert restoration. The member will also assist the NPS biological technician with weed control and rare plant monitoring.

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 to Thursday 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the (EAP 2022/23 grant year program), valued up to $3,247.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 900hrs.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.

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 NPS. Government housing may be available for a monthly cost to the member.

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. Specific training may include Wilderness First Aid or First Aid CPR/AED if classes are available.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.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. (A three-year driving record will be required to drive NPS fleet.)
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check.
• 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 or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• 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 a minimum of an associate's or bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resource management, botany, or biology.
• Ability to identify plants
• Knowledge of data collection on gps units or other app related devices (iPhones or iPads), Excel, Word, Powerpoint.
• Experience or the desire to gain field experience.
• Deep interest in learning how to restore desert landscapes
• Experience in driving full size 4X4 trucks and gaining experience trailering.

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 manual or power tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.

–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 40 lbs.

–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 gas-powered tools and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.

–Travel: This position may require domestic travel,up to 1 week.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, rain, 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 NPS. 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 the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1022599.html 

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 Recruitment & Outreach Specialist, Shannon Borowy at sborowy@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.