Natural Resources Member- Sunset Crater National Monument

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service is seeking ONE Member to contribute to Natural Resource Management Fellow project alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: May 1, 2023
Estimated End Date: August 18, 2023
*a 16 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Sunset Crater is a cinder cone located north of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Around 1085, Sunset Crater Volcano erupted-forever changing the landscape and lives of those who lived there. Today, visitors can explore the Bonito lava flow and various volcanic features.

Sunset Crater and Lenox Crater Volcanoes were born in a series of eruptions sometime between 1040 and 1100. Powerful explosions profoundly affected the lives of the local population and forever changed the landscape and ecology of the area.

People had been living in the area for at least several hundred years before the volcanoes erupted. Although we don't know what they called themselves, archeologists consider them representatives of the Sinagua culture. They were farmers, living in scattered groups adjacent to their corn fields. Their homes were pithouses, dug partially into the ground.

900 years later, Sunset Crater is still the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. The volcano's red rim and the dark lava flows seem to have cooled and hardened to a jagged surface only yesterday. As plants return, so do the animals that use them for food and shelter. And so do human visitors, intrigued by this opportunity to see natures response to a volcanic eruption.

Arizona's Sunset Crater Volcano reshaped the nearby landscape, and now offers hiking, scenery of flora like Ponderosa Pines, and an array of wildlife.

Position Overview: ACE Member will conduct vegetation surveys of rare and invasive plants utilizing handheld GPS units and computer tablets. ACE Member will maintain field notes, computer databases, photographs, and GPS track logs of surveyed lands. ACE Member will also conduct vegetation surveys of drought-stricken and fire-damaged trees. These projects will require the ACE Member to hike up to 8 miles a day in steep and rocky terrain. Most of the work will be accomplished independently, with the ACE Member working in both frontcountry and backcountry sites. ACE Member will also help with ongoing bat and owl projects and can expect to spend 65% of their time in the field and 35% of their time in the office.

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: Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/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 here.

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

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 will include NPS safety protocols, communication protocols, field orientation and travel corridor training, as well as training for plant identification and proper GPS/tablet use.

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 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.
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as scientific research, environmental science, natural resources, botany, forestry, or other related fields.
• Knowledge of scientific research, natural resources or scientific field work.
• Ability and willingness to work long hours in extreme heat or humidity, hike several miles a day, and carry a pack weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Deep interest in natural resource management, botany, ecology, or forestry.

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 hike. Ability to hike over rough terrain.

• 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 20 lbs., ability to move up to 35 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate outdoor noise such non-powered hand saws. Moderate noise such as in a business office.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat, rocky terrain, 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 agency. 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 Specialist, Shannon Borowy sborowy@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 Natural Resources Member Sunset Crater National Monument Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC