Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Environmental Education Member to contribute to visitor services projects alongside Parker River NWR Complex staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: October 2024

End Date: May2025

**32-week commitment required, approximately 1,280 hours - flexibility with start and end date**

Location Details/Description: Parker River NWR Complex, Newburyport, MA

For more information about Parker River NWR Complex, please visit the FWS website.

Position Overview:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Parker River NWRC.

During this term, the ACE member will work to support local elementary students as they explore the natural world around them. As part of the visitor services team, this position would develop, implement, and evaluate nature-based educational programs and resources. Additional opportunities to gain experience with the biology, management, and maintenance teams to gain a broad understanding of conservation career opportunities. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

Serving as the primary point of contact for school groups and educators regarding refuge field trips, in-classroom visits, and obtaining educational materials
Leading field trips on refuge and/or with community partners on nearby public lands to support neighborhood nature initiatives. Provide in-school nature programming and classroom visits
Conducting outreach to local school groups and home school organizations to promote and expand access to the Every Kid Outdoors initiative for 4th grade classrooms
Working with local educators, community groups, and refuge staff to develop, implement, and evaluate environmental education curricula, programs, and materials. Primary focus on early, elementary, and middle school education
Assisting with the creation of nature kits that school groups and/or home school families can check out for use on the refuge and in the school yard
Providing instructional opportunities for local educators to build knowledge about the refuge mission, habitats, and key conservation initiatives to empower teachers to lead refuge-focused field trips and/or classroom activities with minimal support
Developing and leading trainings for environmental education volunteers to assist with programs and outreach

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: Duties will primarily be carried out 8am - 4:30pm, five days a week. (5-8s). Bi-weekly totals typically will 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 evenings. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Agency housing is typically occupied by multiple interns and/or seasonal staff members simultaneously, and features individual bedrooms with shared living, dining, and cooking areas. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position 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.

Relocation & Professional Development Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $500 to be reimbursed for relocation costs and up to $1500 to reimbursed for travel and professional development related expenses.

Qualifications:

Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.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 (documentation to be provided upon request).
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.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: usaconservation dot org.

Preferred

Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree or have equivalent experience in natural resource management, interpretation, and/or outdoor recreation, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.
Experience teaching, providing youth leadership, developing curriculum, training educators, and a demonstrated interest in environmental education.
Ability and willingness to work with the public of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in an inclusive and professional manner regarding sensitive conservation issues.
Ability and willingness to connect with and adapt messaging to a diversity of students and youth groups in a positive and engaging manner.
Experience leading and/or developing nature-based programs, outreach campaigns, or citizen science efforts.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Requires 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 tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
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.
Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
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: 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 and/or ACE, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS 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 on our website at usaconservation dot org. 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 USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell via email at cbarnwell at usaconservation dot org or at (585) 484-7626. ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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.

EPIC

About Us

New Jobs

Environmental Education Member – Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex