Ecosystem Restoration Program Assistant - Pacific West Region NPS

Ecosystem Restoration Program Assistant - Pacific West Region NPS

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Pacific West Regional Office of the National Park Service, is seeking One Member to contribute to project coordination alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: October 9, 2023

Estimated End Date: August 30, 2024*a 47-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: California or anywhere in the US - Remote

Position Overview:Our goal is to provide individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. We work with federal agencies, tribal governments, academia and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

The National Park Service Natural Resources and Science Program (NR&S) for Interior Regions 8, 9, 10, 12 (legacy Pacific West Region) supports more than 60 national parks in California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, portions of Arizona and Montana and the territories of Guam, American Samoa, as well as the Northern Mariana Islands. Our Program advances the stewardship of natural resources in parks and beyond to leverage landscape-, seascape- and airscape-scale conservation. We support parks in policy direction and guidance, and technical assistance -- engaging the best available science and managing amid continuous change. The Natural Resources & Science Program also coordinates with other disciplines at regional and national scales to meet crosscutting challenges to resource conservation and preservation.

The Program Assistant will perform the duties below under the mentorship of NR&S staff.

Candidates must be able to pass a federal background check to obtain an official personal identity verification (PIV) credential. Work schedule negotiable after selection. Some travel opportunities will be available to work directly with NPS professionals in parks throughout the Region.

Position Responsibilities include:

• Support Regional Coordination of ecosystem restoration and climate change resilience projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

• Work with program leads in the NR&S group on key issues and projects that are relevant to parks and the regional office.

• Be flexible and work efficiently in a telework scenario.

• Communicate your interests to supervisors and NR&S program leads so that opportunities for mentorship and career advancement can be maximized.

• Interface with partners to gather and exchange information and plan/execute projects.

• Work effectively both on a team(s) and independently to plan and carry out projects.

Support Regional Coordination for IRA and BIL funded conservation projects (70%)

• • Assist in responding to inquiries from NPS and DOI leadership and Congress, often on a short timetable.
  • Assist in gathering data from parks and compiling into reports to the Washington Office.
  • Assist with budget tracking and reporting.
  • Compose science communication products such as stories, web updates, press releases.
  • Prepare for and help facilitate virtual meetings.
  • Prepare maps, conceptual diagrams, and graphics using GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and other software
  • Prepare notes from meetings and discussions

• Write project updates, reports and correspondence

• Work with program leads in the NR&S group on key issues and projects that are relevant to parks and the regional office.

Science Communications (20%)

• Develop digital content for Natural Resources & Science internal and external communication on our SharePoint pages and NPS websites.
• Assist Regional Science Advisors, science entities and parks to advance science communication efforts across the Region.
• Assist the Regional Natural Resource Advisory Committee in various tasks to aid in service to parks such as preparation of research findings and summaries for science communication highlights.
• Help shape science communication efforts to be relevant to diverse external and internal lay audiences.

Conservation Fellow Development (10%)

• Attend park field trips. Learn about Threatened and Endangered species recovery, habitat restoration and the latest issues facing NPS units of our time.
• Work directly with NR&S professionals in fields including: Wildlife Management, Plant Ecology, Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, Energy & Minerals Development (protecting park natural and cultural resources), Air Resources, Natural Sounds and Dark Night Skies, Water Resources, Landscape Ecology, Geology, Natural and Cultural Resource Strategic Planning.
• Create an Individual Development Plan with the supervisor and implement aspects of the plan.

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: General schedule is Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time. This schedule is flexible as long as the individual is in regular communication with Supervisor about schedule and whereabouts related to ability to respond to an emergent need. Hours could vary throughout the position since we work with colleagues in multiple time zones.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $850/week to offset the costs of housing, food, health insurance 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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Project Travel and Professional Development: The selected member is eligible to receive up to $5000 towards eligible project travel and training expenses.

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 participation in Regional Resources Stewardship and Science workshops focused on climate change response, collaborative conservation at scale, science communication and building relationships with partners, and indigenous ecological knowledge.

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, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a B.S. in physical, biological or social sciences and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as science communication, environmental and social justice, environmental planning or ecosystem restoration.
• Basic knowledge of biological, physical, and ecological processes; interest in understanding/enhancing the role of people in resources stewardship and science.
• Ability and willingness to work remotely on science administration tasks.
• Deep interest in natural and cultural resource stewardship and social and environmental justice.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to have a safe and comfortable work environment with reliable wifi. Vision Requirements: Requires ability to use a computer screen for work assignments.

• Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions at home office.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel. Travel is not required but may be beneficial, funds have been set aside for travel and training if needed.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: 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: No vehicle use is required. 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 Recruitment and Outreach 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.

Current Openings for Ecosystem Restoration Program Assistant Pacific West Region NPS Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC