Visitor Services Member – Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

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Agency

American Conservation Experience

Location

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Hardeeville, SC

Job Category

Full time Positions

Salary

$700/week

Start Date

10/17/2022

Last Date to Apply

09/23/2022

Website

https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/839456.html

Description

Visitor Services Member - Savannah National Wildlife Refuge ACE EPIC placements provide young adults with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers. Funding for ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking One Visitor Services Member to contribute to programs, events, and site management that establishes ways for youth and adults to have repeat opportunities to enjoy nature alongside Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff with facilitating interpretative programs, educational opportunities, assisting with special events, and working with community volunteers on Refuge stewardship. Start Date: October 2022 End Date: 52 weeks later **52-week commitment required, approximately 2080 hours** Location: Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Hardeeville, SC Savannah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1927 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, most notably wintering waterfowl. The refuge lies in both Georgia and South Carolina, divided by the Savannah River, and encompasses over 30,000 acres of vital wildlife habitat, including tidal freshwater marsh and bottomland hardwood forest. For more information about Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/savannah/about-us Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Tuesday - Saturday. Bi-weekly totals should 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 holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval. Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term.When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility. Position Description: This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups. The ACE Member will serve directly with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on varied ecological projects and programs within the refuge supporting the management and stewardship of the refuge's resources; develop and present interpretive (walking, biking, and paddling) and environmental education programs (Virtual and face to face); interact with the visiting public to answer questions and provide information about the refuge; assist with planning and hosting special events (fishing day, nature resource discovery day, birding awareness, national wildlife refuge week events) on the refuge; assist with developing a community engagement program associated with the Savannah NWR; work with partners to establish ways for youth to have repeat opportunities to enjoy nature; assist with strengthening community relationships associated with Harris Neck NWR; work with volunteers to maintain facilities, trails, signs across the refuge complex, and other tasks. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of: -Travel to nearby refuges to help with visitor services programs and events -Maintaining thorough records of project activities and assisting with computer data entry and summarization -Assist with research orientated tasks such as observation and data collection -Assist the refuge by accomplishing clerical, visitor service and maintenance tasks as necessary Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The member may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, 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, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Required -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. -U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident -A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). -Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks. -Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. -Please see further ACE EPIC eligibility requirements at the following link: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements -Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved -Must be willing and able to obtain ATV/UTV training (will be provided by FWS) -Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences -Able and willing to serve independently and in a group -Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor -Ability to operate independently and in remote areas -Competitive applicants for this position must meet the following requirement(s) to be considered: -Holding or pursuing a Bachelor's degree (education or experience in outdoor recreation, environmental education, natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject preferred) Preferred -Fluent in Spanish -Experience in developing an app -Experience in developing and presenting basic interpretive and environmental education programs -Experience in building partnerships -Knowledge of flora and fauna found in coastal Georgia and South Carolina -Skills in using social media -Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps -Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting -Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including: highway vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, weedeaters, etc. -Knowledge in designing interpretive exhibits -Skill in documenting history (orally and written) -Experience in outdoor skills (navigation, paddling, hiking, biking, fishing, outdoor survival, etc.) -Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional -Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies 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/. 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 Member Manager, Johannah McCollum, [email protected], (701)389-0230 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.

Contact Person

Johannah McCollum

Contact Phone

7013892152

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