ACE: Facilities Management - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, MA
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking ONE Facilities Management Individual Placement to help with a diversity of projects at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Northeast Massachusetts, and the Great Bay NWR in Newington, NH.
The ACE/FWS member will work on a variety of facilities, maintenance, habitat restoration, and trail projects to improve access, maintain building function, protect nesting piping plover and New England Cottontail populations, and ensure a positive and safe experience for visitors.
This is a rare opportunity to challenge and enhance both your communication skills and conservation training by gaining practical experience in a variety of program areas on a national wildlife refuge. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a background in maintenance, natural resource management, or facility operations, and a deep interest in advancing their career goals in conservation and land stewardship.
Working as a member of the refuge team, the member will help with a diversity of projects ranging from facilities and trail maintenance to endangered species management. In order to ensure a well-rounded experience, the member will also assist with activities involving maintenance of a breeding pen for New England Cottontail, managing water levels in refuge impoundments, and special events that promote outdoor activities such as fishing and archery. This will allow for an all-around view of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife and people in the Northeast.
Start Date: Mid-January, 2021
End Date: (36 weeks from start date)
**36-weeks commitment required**
Location: Parker River NWR, Newburyport, MA
Project Website: For more information about Parker River NWR, please visit:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/. For more information regarding ACE, please visit www.usaconservation.org.
Housing: Refuge housing is available on site
Compensation: The ACE Member will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $600/week paid out biweekly. On site housing is available at no cost to the intern.
PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: This position is authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Individual placements who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Individual placement must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Individual placement must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description:
Primary duties will include:
• Assist with conducting and monitoring of habitat restoration work;
• Participating in special events to promote the refuge and its mission;
• Perform light maintenance (painting, trail clearing, boardwalk repair, lawncare, spreading gravel/stone dust, etc) and assist maintenance staff with larger scale projects as needed;
• Assist with biological work (plover and shorebird management), and other Refuge work (e.g. public outreach) as opportunities and interest allows;
• FWS certification on operating agricultural tractor, UTV, and small boats as opportunities and interest allows.
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.
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday-Friday, but may include some Saturday and holiday work during the summer. This member may have projects that begin very early and/or go late into the day and may have weekend duties as well. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. Time off will be granted on an as-needed basis.
Equipment Use: The Refuge will provide a vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the member is asked to do. Training will be provided for all equipment that the member is asked to work with. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required.
Position Environment: Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/interns or resources. The member will be working outdoors and may be exposed to heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, and inclement weather.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing towards a degree) in ecology, natural history, outdoor recreation, natural resource management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
• At least 21 years of age (as required to operate ACE or Agency vehicles). PLC eligibility for those 30 years of age and under
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation;
• A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Enthusiasm for interacting with people and learning how to assist visitors to enjoy refuge resources responsibly through interpretation, customer service, and facility maintenance
• Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team
• Ability and interest in working in the field with variable weather conditions and ability to lift 40 lbs. and walk long distances over uneven, wet surfaces.
• The intern must be willing to represent ACE and the USFWS in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact 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 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 Division Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@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.