SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking FOUR YCC Crew Members (age 15-18) to contribute to a variety of maintenance and resource management projects alongside Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: June 26, 2023

Estimated End Date: August 18, 2023

*8 week commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; Galloway, NJ

Edwin B. Forsythe was named in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge's location in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration.

For more information about Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe/about-us

Position Overview: During this term, the ACE Youth Crew member will have the opportunity to learn about different careers in the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and gain work experience in environmental restoration and conservation. The 8 week program is challenging, educational, fun, and offers participants opportunities to expand their horizons while building skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. This program is a professional development experience and is a great opportunity for individuals interested in public lands management and conservation stewardship! No previous outdoor experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, get along well with others, and maintain a positive attitude are essential for success. The Youth Crew member will be responsible for their own transportation to and from a predetermined group meeting spot each workday. The YCC team will then travel together in a shared vehicle to the work project sites within the refuge.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:

• Develop interpersonal and technical skills through completion of field projects in a variety of weather and terrain such as: habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and other essential resource and maintenance projects
• Have the opportunity to explore environmental and natural resource career pathways through weekly educational events and field trips.

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 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm. 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, and early mornings and/or late 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 $440/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the refuge.

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 bird identification, data collection techniques, and survey skills.

Qualifications

Required:

• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Age 15-18 at the start of the position
• Willingness to conduct physical work in all outdoor conditions, including hiking up to 5 miles per day
• Dedication to modeling safe and professional behavior at all times
• Live within driving distance of Edwin B. Forsythe NWR
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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

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. 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• 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 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 ACE EPIC USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626.

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.