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Visitor Services Member – Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience
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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 Member to contribute to the visitor services program alongside  Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Staff. 

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: Late April or First week of May 2023
Estimated End Date: April or May 2024
*52 week commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; Folkston, Georgia

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the unique qualities of the Okefenokee Swamp for future generations to enjoy. The swamp is considered the headwaters of the Suwannee and St Mary's Rivers. Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, such as red-cockaded woodpecker, wood storks, indigo snakes, and a wide variety of other wildlife species. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health. More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries. In addition, the refuge is a Wetland of International Importance because it is one of the world's largest intact freshwater ecosystems.

For more information about Okefenokee NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/okefenokee

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 division with program coordination and development. The ACE member will join our team of young adults working on meaningful conservation projects such as roving outdoor interpretation, outdoor programming, virtual education and/or interpretive programming, and staffing Visitor Centers. 

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following:
  • Participates in the development, management, and implementation of a high quality and balanced visitor services program by recommending and implementing compatible wildlife-dependent recreation activities.
  • Consistent with current COVID and safety –related guidelines, provides interpretation, environmental education, and recreation based programming for target audiences, as determined  by the field station. Programming may also be virtual.  
  • Coordinates media during visitor service programs, including photography, informational pamphlets, and other informational tools.
  • Assists Service staff in developing compatibility determinations for visitor services activities and facilities on refuges.
  • Assists Service staff in developing, conducting, and analyzing surveys and visitor use studies; and measuring expectations, quality, and satisfaction regarding the refuge's visitor services program.
  • Supports Service sites  with developing budget enhancement packages, such as: volunteer/friends group grants and  assistance with contributed funds accounts.
  • Participates in the development, coordination, and implementation of site or issue specific outreach and communication.
  • Identifies potential partnership activities with community organizations and corporations (Scouts, service organizations local governments and businesses).

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, 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 $630/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: The ACE member 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.

Gear Allowance: The ACE member 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: The ACE member 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.
  • Make reservations using recreation.gov; create and send permits to customers if needed. Serves as the primary staff member who answers the refuge's Permit Reservation Phoneline, responding to the public's questions about making an overnight camping permit, the water trail system conditions and permitted routes, and generates permits for individuals utilizing Recreation.gov.
  • At the administration information desk, answer visitors' questions are usually routine and repetitive and relate largely to factual situations, such as geographical location of facilities, trails, tour routes, boat ramps, and other recreational areas.
  • 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 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.
  • Knowledge of interpretive, educational, and recreational programs.
  • Customer Service experience/skills.
  • Ability and willingness to develop and conduct interpretive and educational programs.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office software and other computer programs
  • Ability to work in a fast paced/changing environment.

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 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/936163.html 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.