Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Arches National Park is seeking One Member to contribute to vegetation & resource protection projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: July 17, 2023 or later depending on agency needs

Estimated End Date: November 17, 2023

*a 13 wk minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Arches National and Canyonlands national parks with potential work in Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments (Moab, Utah duty station).

For more information about Arches National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm.

Position Overview: After habitat loss, invasive species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. Exotic-plant management, including use of mechanical, manual and chemical control and site restoration, is a high priority in our national parks. The Resource Stewardship and Science Division of the Southeast Utah Group is tasked with controlling priority invasive plant species for 4 national park units in Utah. In this intensive field position, The ACE Member will be trained in a variety of techniques to manage invasive plants. Additionally, the ACE Member will also be responsible for using GPS and GIS to locate and document invasive plant treatments and populations, as well assisting with data summary and reporting. ACE members may also assist in other restoration activities such as native seed collection, seeding, plant and biocrust salvaging, and vegetation monitoring. Additional resource activities such as spring flow and water quality monitoring are also potential duties.

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: Members will generally work with a team of 2-6 people, on a Monday-Thursday schedule working 10-hour days. When backcountry travel is required, members may shift to an 8 days on, 6 days off schedule (also 10 hour days). In the heat of summer, the schedule may shift from 7a to 6a start time (MDT).

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $775/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. 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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing for the duration of the term.

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.

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 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 35 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, sometimes in the presence of biting insects.
• 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: This position may require domestic travel and camping for up to 8 days at a time.

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 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/. 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 Outreach and Recruitment Specialist, Emanuel Aragon Cruz at ecruz@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

Qualifications

Required:

• 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 two-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
• 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 biology or environmental science degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as invasive plant management or botany.
• Knowledge of plant identification in the field
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors for 10 hours/day performing often physical labor. Willing to apply herbicide for invasive plant control.
• Deep interest in ecological restoration, vegetation.