Trail Inventory Team Members, Sand to Snow National Monument

Summary: The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking two Sand to Snow National Monument (SSNM) Trail Inventory Team Members to dedicate a minimum of 6.5 months to work in support of the Palm Springs South Coast Field Office.

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

Start Date: November 2023

End Date: 30 weeks after the start date

*a 30-week minimum commitment is required*

Location: Palm Desert, California

Jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, the Monument's boundary encompasses 154,000 acres, including just over 100,000 acres of already congressionally designated Wilderness, Sand to Snow National Monument is an ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California, supporting more than 240 species of birds and twelve threatened and endangered wildlife species.

This project will be based out of the BLM California Desert District Office/Palm Springs South Coast Field Office 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, and will cover the Sand to Snow National Monument and adjacent BLM managed and other conservation lands.

For more information about the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, please visit California Desert District Office.

Position Overview: The BLM California Desert District Office (CDD) / Palm Springs South Coast Field Office has an opportunity to introduce youth to natural resource careers in the BLM. This opportunity will be focused on trail inventory and assessment within the SSNM, a unit within the National Conservation Lands System, including recreational opportunities and natural resources values within National Monuments, wilderness areas, etc. This project would provide opportunities to enhance basic career skills such as organization, writing, detail, and communication. Additional opportunities may include field skills including data collection using ESRI FieldMaps app.

This position is ideal for an enthusiastic, adaptable, and resourceful young professional interested in a career in public land management. This position is multi-faceted, adaptable, and geared at supporting the Monument. Duties performed for this internship will typically take place within the Monument and will support all management activities, including OHV inventory, trail work, field data collections, and remote backcountry travel. The ACE Member will serve the Bureau's missions by enthusiastically working to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Assist with general Monument operations and maintenance
• Assist with Visitor Center operations including special events, community outreach, and educational programs
• Traveling in remote backcountry environments conducting surveys and trial work
• General cleanup and maintenance of the visitor displays, recreation areas, and interpretive signs
• Additional tasks as identified during the course of the term

Opportunities may exist for the person to help out on other projects, such as ongoing research activities in the area and training as it becomes available. This is not a requirement; these are additional tasks that can provide invaluable experiences.

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: Typically, their schedule would approximate a Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 5PM. Weekends might be required but would be a rare occurrence.

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. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM and ACE and is not flexible.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the Bureau of Land Management.

Housing Assistance: ACE members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200/week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $1000.00 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. 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. Specific training may include plant and wildlife identification, trail basics, and field orientation. Additional training may include conservation lands management and resumes and federal jobs application training.

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.

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.
• Ability to and willing to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, participating in physical labor
• 2 years of college/work experience required but additional time is preferred
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

Preferred:

• Undergraduate degree in natural resource management, recreation & park management, restoration ecology, biological sciences, environmental policy, or other related fields
• GIS/GPS hardware/software and mapping experience in the field
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome
• Experience working/hiking in remote backcountry conditions and environments
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources with an emphasis on public outreach
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills
• Experience driving 4WD vehicles
• Knowledge of California's public lands, cultural and historic resources, and natural environments is strongly desired
• Knowledge of, or familiarity with, the local area, or similar, is also helpful

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Environmental: The desert has harsh conditions so interns should plan and pack for comfort in a variety of climatic ranges (dramatic ranges in heat, cold, wind, snow, etc.).

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 Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to the Bureau of Land Management 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 BLM/FS Recruitment and Member Coordinator Allison Finch at afinch@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, the American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Trail Inventory Team Members, Sand to Snow National Monument Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC