Resource Management Lead - Christiansted National Historic Site

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Christiansted National Historic Site (CHRI) is seeking ONE Resource Management Lead to provide support to park staff to patrol nesting beaches, conduct saturation and telemetry tagging of nesting sea turtles, record biometric data, collect samples, document the location of nesting activities, evaluate the success of nesting activities, and relocate imperiled nests using established, peer reviewed methods and protocol. The Resource Management Lead will act as a team leader during field and office operations during the duration of the position.

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

Start Date: June 5th, 2023

Estimated End Date: October 6th, 2023 (or approximately 18 weeks after start date)

*an 18-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Christiansted National Historic Site Headquarters, Christiansted, Virgin Islands

Christiansted National Historic Site is located in the historic town of Christiansted on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix is the largest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands, which include Water Island, St. John, and St. Thomas. The U.S. Virgin Islands are part of the Lesser Antilles and lie on the boundary between the Greater and Lesser Antilles island chains of the Caribbean, making this location an important crossroad in the settlement and colonial history of the New World. The national historic site consists of approximately seven and one-half acres on the waterfront of Christiansted Harbor in the town of Christiansted. Currently, Christiansted National Historic Site includes several important historic structures that reflect the 18th and 19th century Danish colonial rule and life on the island of St. Croix. Situated on this cultural landscape are key historic structures that include Fort Christiansvaern and Stable Yard Building, Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, Danish Customs House, Scale House, Bandstand, and Steeple Building. All Christiansted National Historic Site historic buildings are on the List of Classified Structures.

The Member will primarily work in the field at BUIS and Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve (SARI) and at Christiansted National Historic site (CHRI) Headquarters. Research will be conducted at BUIS, an uninhabited island only accessible by boat.

For more information regarding Christiansted National Historic Site or the National Park Service, please visit: www.nps.gov/chri/

Position Overview:

Buck Island Reef National Monument (BUIS) is a nesting beach for several threatened and endangered species of sea turtle protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) including hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Thus, BUIS has operated a unique and highly successful sea turtle research and monitoring program for 35+ years called Buck Island Sea Turtle Research Program (BISTRP). This project has provided local high school students, college students, and professionals with exposure to field research with four species of endangered and threatened sea turtles (hawksbill, green, loggerhead, and leatherback).

Participants will gain exposure to NPS careers, active in-the-field learning, and experience presenting research and conservation materials to broad, diverse communities. Participants will develop important practical and technical skills as they use established protocols to assist NPS in the implementation, data collection, data management, and community outreach and education for the BISTRP. In addition, this project provides college graduates guidance, mentorship, and leadership opportunities as they become the next generation of natural resource managers.

In addition to assisting NPS staff with BISTRP tasks, participants will assist with other natural resource management projects, this includes monitoring of terrestrial and marine species, managing invasive species and propagation and restoration of native plant/mangrove.

This Member will primarily work in the field at BUIS and Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve (SARI) and at Christiansted National Historic site (CHRI) Headquarters. Research will be conducted at BUIS, an uninhabited island only accessible by boat. Due to the remote work environment NPS has established additional safety measures for this program a Job Hazard Analysis will be provided to Members. Administrative and data analysis is generally performed indoors in headquarter office spaces.

This position will act as the Resource Management Team Lead and will collaborate with other ACE Members and NPS staff.

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: Diurnal season: June - July and October- November Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00pm. Nocturnal Season: August - September, four nights a week (40 hours a week) 6:00 pm- 6:00 am conducting nest surveys.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $2,474.27 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 hours.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.

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: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Reimbursable Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $800 to be used for eligible relocation expenses and for commuting to the duty station. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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 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).
• Personal vehicle for non-project related tasks
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-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.
• The Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental sciences, ecology, STEM related fields and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as marine science, biology, communication and outreach, conservation, restoration, wildlife handling.
• Previous leadership experience or the ability to manage a team and navigate team dynamics under stressful conditions.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel
• Familiarity with statistics and competency in statistical software
• Experience using GPS information to create maps in ArcGIS
• Communicate conservation and science objectives to the public
• Interest in documenting science and research for social media and public awareness posts
• Previous experience conducting nesting sea turtle saturation tagging and monitoring
• Ability and willingness to collect data and maintain records precisely according to standardized protocol
• Have previous field work experience lasting at least one month
• Enter and analyze data (written and computer database format)
• Be able to persevere under stressful conditions
• Work outdoors, day and night in isolated conditions, and in adverse weather.
• Walk in the sand up to 10 kilometers/night; climb rocks; stoop, kneel and stand on soft substrate and in cramped conditions.
• Have a strong work ethic
• Be able to work all night and on weekends
• Be able to lift and move heavy objects
• Operate and maintain communications equipment properly (cell phone, hand-held VHS radio, marine radio)
• Be able to swim; crew a boat in open water conditions
• Deep interest in restoration/preservation efforts of the Park Service and the study of and conservation of Threatened and Endangered species.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Position has a high demand of walking and physical exertion while working in the field environment. The member must be able to ensure long periods of walking (up to 8 miles a night) while conducting research.
• 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working in variable weather conditions which may include high heat, heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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 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 Member Coordinator, Maya Opara-Nadi, at mopara-nadi@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 Resource Management Lead Christiansted National Historic Site Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC