Upland Monitoring Member
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, is seeking One Upland Monitoring Team Member to contribute to monitoring efforts that inform effectiveness of grazing management prescriptions projects alongside the BLM Vale District Staff.
Start Date: 06/05/2023 *potential flexibility for start date
Estimated End Date: August 2023 *a 12-week minimum commitment is required *
Location Details/Description: Vale, OR
Vale, OR has a rich ranching and rural history; there are ample rodeos and county fairs to attend during the summer. Nearby Weiser, ID annually hosts the national old-time fiddle competition in June. Outdoor recreation near Vale is expansive with public lands surrounding the area ranging from arid desert to montane ecosystems. Although abundant, facilitated trails and access are limited, with just a few established hiking trails, most recreation requires horses or all-terrain vehicles for access. It is 1.5 hours driving to the W, N or E to reach forested recreation. Shopping is limited in Vale (grocery store, hardware store, and gas stations), but Ontario OR, 16 miles to the E provides a larger selection including a natural foods store. If you are willing to travel 1 hour you are in the Boise area with unlimited cultural events and shopping opportunities. There is no public transportation in the Vale area, if you want to venture outside of Vale you will need a car.
For more information about the BLM Vale District, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/office/vale-district-office
Position Overview: The ACE Team Members will work with the Malheur Field Office range team, under the direction of the Supervisory Rangeland Management Specialist, to accomplish the duties of the positions.
Duties include:
- Assisting in upland monitoring studies, including but not limited to upland utilization, 17-Indicators for Rangeland Health, trend, and Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF)
- Completing inspections of existing range improvements such as exclosure fences, pipelines, and troughs.
- Collecting and Inputting results of range improvement inspections into BLM databases and project case files.
Collection of vegetative monitoring and determining functionality of range infrastructure provides information on the effectiveness of grazing systems and prescriptions, and its influence on the health of the Public rangelands. The objective of the project is to allow for ACE Team Members to gain knowledge and hands-on experience with BLM's rangeland management program, as well as exposure to other natural resource positions within the agency, while collecting information that will be used to inform future renewals of grazing permits.
Position responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Conduct monitoring and collect data on upland vegetative communities
- Complete range improvement inspections
- Enter results of range improvement inspections in a National Database.
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: Anticipated work schedule will be Monday through Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm Mountain Time Zone. Days and hours may vary throughout the position and there is some room for occasional flexibility in the work schedule for specific circumstances.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $540/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 here.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM. However, a Housing Allowance is included at $100/week. There is limited no public bus service within the Vale area. A car is necessary if you want to venture outside of Vale.
Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
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 BLM training may include various protocols for field methods, safety, and defensive driving.
Qualifications
This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resource management, with emphasis in either rangeland management or wildlife habitat management.
ACE 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.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-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 here.
BLM Required:
- Members must have a high fitness level and an interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips.
- Ability to work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision.
- Experience and/or ability to learn the use of GPS units.
- Must be able and willing to work outdoors in rugged terrain and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
- Must be able to drive on back-country roads.
- Proven ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals.
- Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a minimum of an Associates Degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas.
- Pass a federal background check.
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 Member Manager Celia Demers, at cdemers@usaconservation.org.
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.