Public Use Support Member
Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking ONE Public Use Support Member to contribute to day-to day operations at the visitor center alongside Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge staff. During this term, the ACE members will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of public use permit management, assisting the public with public use permits, and assisting with the general operations of the Visitor Center.
Start Date: June 2022
End Date: 40 weeks later
**40-week commitment required
Location: Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge - St. Charles, Arkansas
Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 for the protection of migratory birds. It is one of the most important areas for wintering waterfowl in North America. The refuge is also home to the only population of native black bear in the State of Arkansas and is designated as a Wetland of International Importance. Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge annually attracts about 455,000 visits from hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others. The refuge lies mostly in the floodplain of the White River, near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River. Long and narrow and varying from a quarter mile to ten miles wide and approximately sixty miles long, the refuge is one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi River Valley. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, sloughs, and bayous. The result is a haven for a myriad of native wildlife and migratory birds.
For more information about Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/dale-bumpers-white-river
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Friday. 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. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $550/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.
Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description:
This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups.
The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of:
List of Duties
Visitor Services (80%)
- Assist in staffing the Visitor Center front desk
- Assist visitors with acquiring and maintaining refuge permits and hunt surveys
- Respond to questions and phone calls on a variety of informational and interpretive topics
- Assist visitors with interpretive materials such as brochures, handouts, and interpretive exhibits
- Provide accurate information on recreational activities, nearby attractions, and rules and regulations
- Perform opening and closing tasks at the Visitor Center
Other Duties (20%)
- Assist with general operation and maintenance tasks at the Visitor Center including organizational, cleaning, and grounds maintenance tasks
- Assist with biological research requests
- Assist field staff with other activities as needed such as refuge events
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.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE 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.
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.
Qualifications
Required:
- 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.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED in natural resources, biology, ecology or a related subject
- Previous experience working with visitors, hunters, fisherman, and the public in a paid position or volunteer position.
- Knowledge of computer working systems such as Excel, Word, or PowerPoint.
- Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of or interest in the flora, fauna, and history of Southeastern Arkansas.
- Due to the remote nature of Dale Bumpers White River NWR, access to reliable transportation is necessary.
- Ability and willingness to contribute to a team setting and be able to help out where needed.
- Enthusiasm for interacting with people and learning how to assist visitors to enjoy refuge resources responsibly through interpretation, customer service, and facility maintenance.
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/.
NOTE: 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 USFWS Division Support Specialist, Johannah McCollum, jmccollum@usaconservation.org, 701-389-2152.
Vaccination Requirement: 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.
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.