Urban Outreach Support Member - Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

Urban Outreach Support Member - Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Urban Outreach Support Member to contribute to outreach programming alongside Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

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

Start Date: Early May 2023

Estimated End Date: August 2023*

**a 16-week commitment required**

Location Details/Description: Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, Pleasanton, KS.

Work will also be done in Southeast Kansas and potentially at other Refuges in the Complex.

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 for the protection and restoration of bottomland hardwood forests. Approximately 5,000 acres of the 7,500 acre refuge are available for wildlife oriented recreation including hunting, fishing, and birding. A wildlife sanctuary encompasses the remaining 2,500 acres of the refuge and is not available for public use.

For more information about Marais des National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/marais_des_cygnes/.

Position Overview: The Urban Outreach Support Member will participate in and potentially lead programs at local libraries, nature centers, parks, and other locations that could be indoors or outside. The Support Member will also help with setting up and running tables at events and providing activities and information to the public. The selected candidate may attend meetings and networking opportunities with other related organizations. The Support Member will also provide suggestions and ideas for expanding partnerships and outreach opportunities.

The Support Member will also assist and potentially lead activities including kayaking, fishing, and archery both on and off site. This requires driving with a trailer, setting up and taking down the archery course, loading and unloading the kayak trailer, and repairing fishing equipment.

The Support Member will develop social media posts for Facebook and potentially articles for the National Wildlife Refuge Complex's web pages. Depending on ability the Support Member will also create videos to use on social media.

The Support Member will help develop program ideas for on site programming at Marias des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, integrating new and existing Visitor Service amenities. The Support Member will assist with other Refuge programs as needed, including biological, maintenance, and administrative programs.

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: Due to the variety of Outreach events, this position will work an irregular schedule that will include weekend and occasional night work. It will also require interaction with the public in a variety of situations and weather conditions. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule is required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends, evenings, and/or holidays. There is also the possibility of last minute changes due to weather or other factors. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

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 a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $1,718.25 upon successful completion of the term requirements.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. 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 here.

Housing: Housing will be provided at no cost for the duration of the term. The selected individual will have housing available at the refuge bunkhouse on Marais de Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required. Due to the rural nature of the duty station and distance to the bunkhouse, stores, and other amenities, a personal vehicle is required.

Travel: Most work will be conducted in and around Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge and the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. Travel is expected on occasion to assist with work at the other three refuges in Kansas. While on duty, a Refuge vehicle and fuel will be provided for use by the Support Member. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE vehicle and driving training, certification and safety protocols is required.

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.

Equipment Use/Safety: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 50 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Urban Outreach Support Member 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.

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, an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request), and a personal vehicle (for non-work related travel, i.e., groceries, personal errands, etc.)
• 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.
• Ability to work closely with the Visitor Services Manager and other Refuge staff.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes in schedules and events/activities.
• Experience working with children.
• Able to lift and maneuver kayaks and archery targets weighing up to 50 lbs and transport by hand short distances and lift objects over one's head.
• 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.
• 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 here.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have interest in subject areas such as environmental education, environmental interpretation, natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
• Experience working with large groups of people of mixed ages and backgrounds in outdoor/informal situations.
• Basic knowledge of biology and plant/animal identification.
• Public speaking ability.
• Ability to drive hauling a trailer.
• Prior experience with fishing, archery, and/or kayaking.
• Some experience and willingness to do arts/crafts
• Knowledge of video creation/editing.
• Deep interest in interpretation/environmental education and connecting with non-traditional audiences.
• Familiarity with the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area

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 Member Manager, Andrew Garcia, at 928-419-7035 or agarcia@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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