Visitor Services Assistant- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Services Assistant- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Visitor Services Assistant to contribute to visitor service and outreach projects alongside Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website at usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: January 13th, 2025

Estimated End Date: January 11th, 2027*a 104 week minimum commitment is required

Location: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge works to connect the vibrant cultures of the Twin Cities metro with the diversity of wildlife and habitat along the Minnesota River. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, the refuge welcomes visitors to enjoy the variety of outdoor experiences the Refuge has to offer. Established in 1976 by motivated residents, the Refuge preserved wildlife resources threatened by commercial and industrial development. Now, the Refuge enhances urban habitat while offering community programs, environmental education, and access to nature on the edge of the city as well as hunting, fishing and hiking in the more wild stretches of the Minnesota River.

The Refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota. Comprising more than 14,000 acres, the Refuge has multiple units, offering a variety of free outdoor recreational experiences for individuals and families. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge also manages a 14 county Wetland Management District.

The Refuge ranges from urban to rural providing a unique opportunity to enjoy wildlife related recreation in the shadows of skyscrapers and grain elevators. The Refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. It's a place where coyotes, bald eagles, prothonotary warblers, and trout live next door to more than three million people. Each unit offers a variety of attractions and seasonal activities. Individual units may have special regulations, as well as private land within their boundaries. For details about the individual units please refer to trail maps which are available at trailheads and education and visitor centers.

For more information about Minnesota Valley NWR, please visit its USFWS website.

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

This position aims to provide hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of the Visitor Services and Outreach Team with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management and public engagement on their path to developing associated vocational skills. During the course of this term, the position will work alongside a rotation of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff to contribute to various natural resources and recreational activities that may include: welcoming visitors, ensuring visitor safety, supporting community outreach and refuge programming, developing outdoor recreational skills, supporting visitor facilities and amenities, and supporting habitat restoration and biological monitoring.

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.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Welcome visitors
• Ensure grounds and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center (BLVC) are safe for visitors
• Support BLVC daily operations
• Support outreach programming on refuge and in local community
• Support trailheads and amenities adjacent to BLVC and in Bloomington, MN including: BLVC, Bass Ponds, Old Cedar Avenue
• Participate in habitat restoration activities including: planning native species, seed collection,litter pick-up, invasive species pulls, nest box building, etc.
• Assist biological staff with citizen science projects and biological data collections
• Experience a variety of outdoor recreation activities to include but not limited to: bird watching, paddling, hiking, archery, fishing, nature photography, and snowshoeing
• Develop a deeper understanding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Schedule: Duties will be carried out 6 hours per week, within two shifts per week (Tuesday-Saturday 8am-4:30pm). Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 12 hours. 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 ~6 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $96/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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or FWS.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases.

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.

Scholarship Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Scholarship. This is a $500 scholarship which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Scholarship recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of scholarships are available.

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.
• If driving is required: A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• If Driving is NOT required: A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• 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

• Be a positive, contributing member of the team
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking long distances over uneven surfaces while carrying up to 40lbs, 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, climb stairs, and/or crouch.

• 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. When indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.]
• 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 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 FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. 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.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website at usaconservation dot org. 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 ACE EPIC FWS Program Manager, Nich Jackosky, njackosky at usaconservation dot org.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, 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, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, 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 Visitor Services Assistant Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC