ACE: Park Ranger/ Visitor Services Member - Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, NY
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking ONE Park Ranger / Visitor Services Member to help with a variety of projects that support both the visitor services and biological programs at Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex (based at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge).
This is a unique opportunity to challenge and enhance both your communication skills and conservation training by gaining practical experience in a variety of program areas on a National Wildlife Refuge. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic entry-level professionals with a background in wildlife biology, natural history, interpretation, or maintenance, and a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resource stewardship on our public lands. This will allow for an all-around view of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife and people in the Northeast.
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is home to the refuge complex headquarters and visitor center. This 2,550-acre refuge on the south shore of Long Island is bisected by the Carmans River; a New York state designated scenic river and one of the largest on the island. Wertheim hosts a variety of habitats including oak-pine woodlands, grasslands and fresh, brackish and salt water wetlands. These habitats attract and support many types of wildlife including white-tailed deer, osprey, muskrat, fox, turtles, frogs and fish. The refuge also serves as a haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds.
Start Date: April 6th 2021
End Date: December 11th, 2021
**36-week commitment required**
Location: Long Island NWR Complex - Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, NY
Project Website: For more information about Long Island NWR, please visit https://www.fws.gov/northeast/longislandrefuges/ For more information about Wertheim NWR please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Wertheim/
Housing: On site refuge housing is available at no cost to the selected candidate.
Compensation: The ACE Member will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $600/week, distributed biweekly.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 30. Military veterans up to 35 are eligible.
Position Description:
The primary focus of the position will be three-fold:
- a) Develop and conduct environmental education programs for K-12 students and interpretive programs for the visiting public
- b)Maintain and develop interpretive exhibits for the Complex Visitor Center
- c) Develop multimedia projects for use on trails and social media.
The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting outreach to the local community to advertise the educational and recreational opportunities available at the refuge. These duties will provide the selectee with the opportunity to reach a diverse group of people and to develop knowledge and appreciation of the environment and the National Wildlife Refuge System.
In order to ensure a well-rounded experience, this person will also assist with natural resource management (i.e. biology) activities such as invasive species and endangered species management. This will allow for an all-around view of the work the US Fish and Wildlife Service does for wildlife on Long Island.
Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 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.
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Tuesday-Saturday but may include holiday work during the summer. This ACE member may have projects that begin very early and/or go late into the day and may have weekend duties as well. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.
Equipment Use: The Refuge will provide a vehicle and the tools required to accomplish all tasks. Training will be provided for all equipment that the Member is asked to use, such as ATVs, UTVs, boats, or agricultural tractors. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required.
Position Environment: Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors. Temperature and weather extremes can be encountered in the performance of outdoor duties. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/interns or resources. The member will be working outdoors and may be exposed to heat or cold, high humidity, stinging and biting insects, and inclement weather.
Qualifications:
Required:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation
- This position is funded through the Public Land Corps Act which has specific program requirements.
- Must be 18-30 years of age to apply (members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties).
- Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply.
- Strong writing, communication and organizational skills.
- Strong public speaking skills
- Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
- Ability to complete tasks independently and work well in a team
- Ability and interest in working in the field with variable weather conditions and ability to lift 40 lbs. and walk long distances over uneven, wet surfaces.
- The member must be willing to represent ACE and the USFWS in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.
Preferred:
Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural history, environmental education, outdoor recreation, botany, natural resource management, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE IS ALSO ACCEPTABLE. Resume and Cover Letter must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience needed, as defined in this announcement.
- Enthusiasm for interacting with people and learning how to assist visitors to enjoy refuge resources responsibly through interpretation, customer service, and facility maintenance
- Ability to multitask and shift schedule and priorities to meet changing conditions.
- Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting.
- A personal vehicle is highly suggested for off-duty hours due to the distance of housing to office and stores
To Apply: Please submit a resume, thoughtful cover letter, and academic transcripts, along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website linked to the green Apply Externally button.
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker at: dhecker@usaconservation.org or 801.386.1629.
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.