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Environmental Education Member – Santee National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience

Internship

Job Details

Environmental Education Member – Santee National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Romain 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 Environmental Education Member to contribute to the visitor services program alongside U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Visitor Services Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org. Start Date: 4/3/2023 Estimated End Date: 11/10/2023 *32 week commitment is required - start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility* Location Details/Description: Santee National Wildlife Refuge (Summerton, SC) and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (Awendaw, SC) *The member can expect to be stationed at Cape Romain NWR from April to June. And for the remainder of the time, the member can expect to be stationed at Santee NWR from June to December. Santee National Wildlife Refuge, superimposed on the lands and waters of the 110,600-acre Lake Marion reservoir, protects over 15,000 acres of public lands in four units, Bluff, Dingle Pond, Pine Island and Cuddo. The refuge benefits an abundance of wildlife species in this rich ecosystem of forests, wetlands, fields and open water. Culturally significant is the protection of a 1200-year old Native American site. For more information about the Santee National Wildlife Refuge please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/santee Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, extending 22 miles along the South Carolina Coast, is a rich mosaic of barrier islands with forest and ponds, vast salt marshes and intricate waterways. This diverse and dynamic system supports over 293 bird species and a myriad of other wildlife. Over fifty percent of refuge lands are designated a Class I National Wilderness Area. For more information about the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cape-romain Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will be responsible for supporting the implementation of curriculum through presenting programs, fostering partnerships, assisting in the planning of logistics, co-teaching and leading. The position will support the USFWS mission of habitat enhancement and maintenance for native plants and wildlife, to include species of concern and threatened and endangered species and migratory species. Wildlife types include shorebirds and seabirds, waterfowl, neotropical songbirds, sea turtles, alligators, white-tailed deer and red wolves. Climate change, habitat management, the use of prescribed fire and shorebird stewardship education will be additional components. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:

preparing and presenting on-and off-site environmental education programs for a variety of audiences
developing and presenting a variety of interpretive programs including orientations and guided hikes for a variety of public audiences or school groups
assisting with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation
using verbal and written communication to effectively implement community engagement to include social media outlets
developing or revising environmental education and interpretive materials (e.g. brochures, web content, exhibits and signs)
drafting a variety of written materials including news releases, articles, correspondence and event flyers
assisting in the operation of a visitor center

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: Duties will primarily be carried out Tuesday - Saturday. 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. Time off for federal holidays is granted, and additional requests for time off 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 $300/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2022/23 grant year program, valued up to $3,247.50 upon successful completion. Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. 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 Refuge housing at no cost for the duration of the ACE term. If applicants reside within 50 miles of the Lacombe office housing will not be offered, but a mileage stipend can be negotiated. 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 byU.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.
Members 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:

Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and/or have interest in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability and willingness to develop and conduct interpretive and educational programs.
Deep interest in working with students and visitors of all ages in interpretive and educational programming.

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.