Vegetation and Resource member - Southern Utah Group

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking an individual interested in a Vegetation and Resource Monitoring position to dedicate at least 16 weeks in support of the Southeast Utah Group (SEUG) which serves Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument.

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

Start Date: 3/11/24

End Date: 07/01/2024

*A minimum 16-week commitment is required *

Location Details/ Descriptions: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park with potential work in Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments (Moab, Utah duty station).

For more information about the monuments where job duties may additionally be conducted, please visit www.nps.gov/hove/index.htm and www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm.

Position Overview: After habitat loss, invasive species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. Exotic plant management, including the use of mechanical, manual, and chemical control and site restoration, is a high priority in our National Parks. The Resource Science and Stewardship Division of the Southeast Utah Group is tasked with controlling priority invasive plant species for 4 national park units in Utah. In this intensive field position, The ACE Member will be trained in a variety of techniques to manage invasive plants. Additionally, the ACE Member will also be responsible for using GPS and GIS to locate and document invasive plant populations, as well as assisting with data summary and reporting. ACE members may also assist in other restoration activities such as seed collection, seeding, plant and biocrust salvaging, and vegetation monitoring.

The purpose of the Vegetation Management Position is to provide support to partner parks in the management and control of invasive, exotic plants, and assist in restoration efforts in high visitor-use areas and backcountry sites. The ACE Member will also assist staff in data summary and reporting. This position will expand the resume of anyone starting a natural resource career as well as provide many career exploratory and networking opportunities as the intern works alongside resource management professionals in the national parks.

This opportunity is intended for a conscientious, hard-working, individual with a background in any aspect of natural resource management, but with a strong interest in vegetation work and commitment to the physical requirements of fieldwork and working with an enthusiastic team of resource professionals who are passionate about ecological restoration in southeast Utah national parks.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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

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/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 position's essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, the beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Must be 18-35 years of age (Members must be at least 21 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
• Willingness to use herbicide in exotic plant control, and obtain Utah pesticide applicator license once hired
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Experience identifying plants
• Experience in vegetation management such as exotic plant control
• Knowledge of Southern Utah's Exotic and Invasive species

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 is required for the use of various tools, computer keyboards/mice, and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• 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 under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic 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 themself, 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 agency/partner or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the agency/partner. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the agency/partner, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to agency/partner 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 applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Outreach and Recruitment Specialist, Emanuel Aragon Cruz at ecruz@usaconservation.org.EEO: Employment with ACE is based on ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for Vegetation and Resource member Southern Utah Group Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC