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Visitor Services Lead Member – Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience

Internship

Job Details

Visitor Services Lead Member – Edwin B. Forsythe NWR 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 Visitor Services Lead Member to contribute to the visitor services program alongside Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Start Date: March 2023 Estimated End Date: September 2023 *26 week commitment is required - start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility* Location Details/Description: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; Galloway, NJ Edwin B. Forsythe was named in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration. For more information about Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe/about-us Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will have the opportunity to learn about different careers in the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and assist the Visitor Services Manager with program coordination and development. The member will mentor interns and volunteers in duties to educate the public about the importance of shorebird habitat, focusing on the piping plover, and to gain voluntary compliance with current shorebird protection rules. This position will also provide support to the refuge volunteer program, operation of the visitor center, interpretive programming, and community outreach activities. The member will be supervised by the Visitor Services Manager and will be expected to carry out work independently and as part of a small team. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:

Mentor interns and volunteers in conducting on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses.
Assist with development or revision of environmental education and interpretive materials, brochures, web content, exhibits and signs.
Enhance the volunteer program through recruitment, training, data collection, and providing volunteer support.
Assist in visitor center operations.
Participate in community outreach events to engage local communities and develop partnerships.
Communicate effectively with visitors and staff by writing or through interpretive activities that aid in implementing the refuge’s outreach program.
Prepare and conduct on- and off-site interpretive programs for a variety of audiences.
Assist with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, recreational fishing.

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. Physical Requirements: This position requires vehicle operation, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, walking over uneven, wet, or rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs., bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Visitor Services 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. Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays, and early mornings and/or late evenings. 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 approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $920/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. 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: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the refuge. Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, pants, etc., and 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 interpretive programming, effective community engagement skills, and volunteer management. Professional development opportunities such as cross training days with other divisions and staff, attending online training and in-person workshops are encouraged. 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 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.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

Competitive applicants for this position should have relevant experience and/or education in subject areas such as biological sciences, natural resource management, environmental education, or related disciplines.
Knowledge of Visitor Services, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education.
Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors, and help maintain a positive working environment.
Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Requires 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, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
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 and/or ACE, 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 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 EPIC USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626. 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.