Resiliency Ranger

Resiliency Ranger Position

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Colorado National Monument is seeking one Resiliency Ranger to contribute to educational and volunteer programming alongside NPS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: Spring of 2025

Estimated End Date: TBD

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description:

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. Most of Colorado National Monument rises more than 2,000 feet above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River. Situated at the edge of the Uncompahgre Uplift, the park is part of the greater Colorado Plateau, which also embraces such geologic wonders as Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches national parks. It is a semi-desert land of pinyon pines and junipers, ravens and jays, desert bighorns and coyotes. Magnificent views from highland trails and the Rim Rock Drive stretch from the colorful geology of sheer-walled canyons and fascinating rock sculptures to the distant Colorado River valley, the purple-gray Book Cliffs, and the huge flat-topped mountain called Grand Mesa. Science done in the park provides insight into how these interconnected elements function as a system.

For more information about Colorado National Monument, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview:

This developmental position, under the close leadership of the park superintendent and interpretation division, will provide resiliency-based outdoor programming to at-risk Veterans and youth in Colorado National Monument. Because Mesa County, CO consistently ranks above the state and national suicide averages each year, presenting experiential, mental health, and resiliency-building curricula has the potential for lasting impact in the community. U.S. Armed Forces Veterans are particularly at-risk for social isolation and suicide, so this intern will work directly withlocal organizations to identify potential audiences. The park will leverage already-existing partnerships with Suicide Prevention Mesa County (SPMC), the local Vet Center, Colorado Mesa University (CMU), Intermountain Healthcare, District 51 Schools, and others, to help provide this novel programming.

Training - 25%

This position will require training and orientation to the National Park Service mission and operations. Working with their supervisor, this intern will learn about NPS history and values. After this is complete, the intern will develop networking skills by communicating with local stakeholders, particularly the Veterans Administration, to build relationships and discover at-risk clients who could benefit from outdoor resiliency programming. The intern will also learn how to staff and operate an NPS visitor center, and they will be expected to work the front desk and participate in the regular operational schedule.

Planning, Scheduling, and Presenting Guided Interpretive Programming - 50%

The Resiliency Ranger intern will be responsible for providing meaningful, creative, and engaging outdoor opportunities for Veterans, visitors, and community members through enhanced educational, recreational, informational, volunteer, and science-based activities. This position will provide targeted experiential outdoor interpretation from peer-reviewed lesson plans that encourage mindfulness, community connection, and stewardship in underserved audiences and Veterans. The Resiliency Ranger intern will be responsible for planning, organizing, and leading new mindfulness-based interpretive hikes, walks, or other outdoor activities.

Event Coordination - 15%

Under the supervision of permanent staff and the Volunteer Coordinator, this position will plan, coordinate, and oversee Veteran recreation and/or volunteer events, and provide meaningful career engagement and job-shadowing opportunities. During programs, they will present novel resiliency curricula and provide opportunities for experiential, place-based learning. The intern will also post mindfulness content to the monument's social media page.

Youth Program Assistance - 10%

Additionally, under the supervision of the monument's Education Technician, the Resiliency Ranger intern will coordinate high school and college student field trips to the monument, which will enrich participants' understanding of the natural environment, showcase park recreational opportunities, and provide opportunities for mindfulness and peer connection.

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: In-person, 40 hours a week with some flexibility depending on workload. Base hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $720/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 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.

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 criminal history checks
• 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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as outdoor recreation, environmental science, biology, geology, archaeology, or history.
• Knowledge of general teaching techniques, hiking, health and safety, customer service, working as a team member, understanding of science, history, leave no trace, and outdoor education.
• Ability and willingness to work with large groups in varying weather conditions, independently lead guided hikes, work with mental wellness and resiliency curricula, learn a variety of scientific and history-based subjects.Must be able to lift 20 pounds and carry typical hiking gear.
• Deep interest in service, working in an outdoor setting, public speaking, science education, inspiring stewardship, teaching mindfulness, and promoting wellness.

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 computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• 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 10 lbs., ability to move up to 20 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• 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 NPS or ACE. 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website.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 NPS Western Member Manager, Sabrina Caruso. Email can be found under the Staff Directory on our website.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for Resiliency Ranger Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC