Snowy Plover Education and Outreach Member, Coos Bay District Office

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit conservation corps in partnership with the Coos Bay Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking One Snowy Plover Education and Outreach Member to contribute to the Coos Bay North Spit project alongside BLM staff, located on the south-central coast of Oregon.

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic, early-career professionals with a background in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental studies, parks and recreation, natural resource management, or a closely related field.

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

Start Date: 05/15/2023

Estimated End Date: 10/27/2023 *a 24 wk minimum commitment is required, potential for flexibility *

Location Details/Description: North Bend/Coos Bay, Oregon

This site is the southernmost end of a complex of ocean beaches, sand dunes, pine and spruce forests, lakes, and seasonal wetland habitats extending along the Oregon coastline from Florence to Coos Bay. The ever-changing habitat is home to a wide variety of mammals and birds, including the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover.

The Coos Bay North Spit is a 15-minute drive from downtown North Bend. The BLM has an established boat ramp at the site with restroom facilities. The North Spit is accessed through a sparse network of primitive sand roads, and non-motorized horse and foot trails. Popular recreational activities include bird and wildlife-watching, clamming and crabbing in Coos Bay, hiking, camping, hunting, surfing and fishing near the jetty, and sightseeing on the ocean beach. Seasonally, from March 15 to September 15, there are public recreation restrictions for the Western Snowy Plover nesting areas.

For more information about BLM, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/visit/north-spit

Position Overview: The position is a multi-disciplinary opportunity for wildlife and recreation management. The chief responsibilities include monitoring the North Spit sand roads by vehicle, UTV, and on foot, and monitoring recreation activities while informing the public about the Western Snowy Plover seasonal restrictions. The Plover Outreach Member will also play a substantial role in placing boundary ropes and signs around the seasonally closed nesting habitat in the spring, maintaining them throughout the season, and removing the materials at the end of the closure in September.

The Plover Outreach Member will interact with and educate the public about the rules and regulations on the North Spit. In addition to the aforementioned duties, workload consists of recording recreation violations, and conducting public education and outreach about the Western Snowy Plover and the North Spit. The Outreach Member will collaborate and communicate with wildlife biologists and law enforcement staff about activities recorded on the North Spit. Additional opportunities to plan interpretive, environmental education programs and presentations about the Western Snowy Plover are possible with a motivated Member.

This is a physically demanding position requiring walking long distances in sand, activities include digging, carrying heavy loads including ropes & signs, and driving across extremely rough terrain. This position is exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions and requires daily interactions with the public.

The individual will also have the opportunity to work on other projects on the Coos Bay District, including assisting with botany and weeds work, and assisting at the Loon Lake Recreation Site.

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: The position will include evening work and regular weekend work. The schedule will vary from week to week depending on the individual's interests and District needs.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $550/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 will be provided at no cost by the BLM. Housing is shared occupancy with other ACE Members and/or BLM staff.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $525 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $350 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, [boots, backpack, outerwear, etc..], and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

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

Applicants for the position must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree OR work experience in environmental science, botany, horticulture, natural resource management, park management, recreation, wildlife biology, or a related discipline while enrolled in a related college or university program. The Members must be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work reliably and productively alone or in a group.

ACE Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• 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.

BLM Requirements

• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals and demonstrate effective communication skills with the public of all ages and backgrounds.
• Interest in a career in Natural Resources and Natural Resources Management.
• Must be physically fit for outdoor work in all types of weather.
• Pass a federal background check.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and ability utilizing GPS equipment in the field.
• Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle on steep, rough terrain, possibly pulling a trailer.
• It is highly desirable to have a personal vehicle, as it is difficult to secure reliable rides for groceries, travel, or partake in other activities during off hours/days.

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 Member Manager, Celia Demers at cdemers@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.

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