Vegetation Member - Grand Canyon National Park

GRCA - Vegetation Member

Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park is seeking One Member to contribute to vegetation projects alongside NPS Staff.

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

Start Date: May 21, 2023

Estimated End Date: August 12, 2023 *a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: This position is stationed at Grand Canyon National Park at the South Rim located in Northern Arizona. The South Rim is located approximately 60 miles north of Williams and 82 miles Northwest of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Temperatures range from approximately 90 degrees in the summer to 0 degrees in the winter. Annual precipitation averages around 13 inches.

Grand Canyon Village has schools K-12, a daycare center, post office, general store, churches, a recreation center with gym, a public library, a clinic with resident physicians, and several restaurants. The park community consists of some 2,500 people, including employees of the NPS and concessionaires and their family members. There are often employment opportunities for family members in the park and surrounding areas. The park community is small enough that many employees choose to walk or bike from their homes to work. Complete shopping, educational, medical and professional services are available in Williams and Flagstaff. Flagstaff has a population of about 66,000 and has multiple K-12 public and private schools, Northern Arizona University, and diverse community, medical and other support services. Recreational opportunities include hiking, backpacking, fishing, cross-country and downhill skiing, and golfing in nearby communities.

For more information about Grand Canyon National Park please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Position Overview:

The Grand Canyon National Park Vegetation Program is a multifaceted program designed to protect, restore, and maintain the ecological stability within the Park's boundaries. The ACE member will assist the NPS by supporting the invasive plant management program as well as the overall preservation and conservation of natural resources.

The ACE member will assist with in-field identification of flora common to the Colorado Plateau. Assists with invasive plant control efforts (i.e. mechanical, chemical, and cultural) including use of pesticides (i.e. mixing, application, safety procedures, and use reporting). Assists with native plant restoration tasks such as seed collection, seeding, planting, mulching, and irrigating. Assists with operation of field equipment such as water pumps, water tanks and hand tools. Within 6-weeks of employment the ACE member will be required to obtain a State of Arizona pesticide applicator's license.

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:Typical work schedule: Monday - Thursday, 6:30am - 5:00pm, MST. Occasional weekend work is anticipated.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $675/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 $1718.25 upon successful completion of term.

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 childcare 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.

Project Related Travel: ACE members will have access to up to $350 to be used for a professional development event at Zion National Park. The ACE member will also be eligible for up to $400 in per diem for backcountry trips. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $300 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position 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. Specific training may include Wilderness First Aid and CPR and Plant Identification Training.

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 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps - remove if non-A*C
• 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 an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as invasive plant management, habitat restoration, field data collection.
• Knowledge of flora common to the Colorado Plateau.
• Ability and willingness to learn about invasive plant management.
• Deep interest in science.

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 use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise produced from hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position requires a minimal to moderate amount of travel within Grand Canyon National Park and to nearby federal lands.

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 Grand Canyon National Park. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by Grand Canyon National Park. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by Grand Canyon National Park, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Grand Canyon National Park 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 Deanna Stark 719-822-8178 at dstark@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 Vegetation Member Grand Canyon National Park Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC