ACE EPIC USFWS MA: One Natural Resource Planning Fellow- Northeast Region
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking ONE Natural Resources Planning Fellow to assist staff at the Northeast Regional Office and at national wildlife refuges with developing Habitat Management Plans, Inventory and Monitoring Plans, and with related projects, as assigned. The Fellow will be involved in identifying biological resources of concern, creating biological objectives, and coordinating workshops with refuge staff. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a strong interest in broadening their natural resource conservation experience into the realm of conservation planning.
Start Date: late October / November
End Date: 58 weeks from the start date
*A 58-week commitment is required for this position*
Location: This position is located at the USFWS Northeast Regional Office in Hadley, Massachusetts.
Project Website: To learn more about the Northeast Regional USFWS Office please visit https://www.fws.gov/northeast/.
To learn more about ACE EPIC Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Compensation: The ACE Fellow will contribute ~40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $750/week paid out biweekly for food and incidental living expenses. The intern is responsible for finding housing.
Position Description:
Percentage of Time: 60% - Natural Resource Planning
The Natural Resources Planning Fellow will assist staff at the Northeast Regional Office and at national wildlife refuges with developing Habitat Management Plans, Inventory and Monitoring Plans, and with related projects, as assigned. The Fellow will be involved in identifying biological resources of concern, creating biological objectives, and coordinating workshops with refuge staff. This requires the ability to actively participate on interdisciplinary teams in the development and review of plans designed to guide refuge management actions and monitoring of species and habitats. This work will benefit the more than 70 refuges throughout the Northeast Region, which spans from Maine to Virginia and west to the Ohio River.
The Natural Resources Planning Fellow will also assist in ensuring that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other laws and policies have been followed. Preparation of planning documents also involves participation on teams. The Fellow will support Planning Team Leaders in managing teams by helping develop agendas, taking notes, and tracking action items which are examples of that assistance.
Percentage of Time: 20% - Data Analysis
The Natural Resources Planning Fellow will work with team leaders to determine data needs, locate source material, interpret data, conduct GIS mapping in support of the planning team or public meetings, or as working products, under support and direction of GIS specialists.
Percentage of Time: 20% - Communications
The Natural Resources Planning Fellow will help with internal and external communication needs in support of developing refuge plans. This will include writing and editing outreach materials, website, and traditional and social media. They will also prepare maps, graphics, and figures that communicate the contents of planning documents for both internal and external audiences, and help respond to public inquires, and news media. In addition, the Refuge Planner Fellow will help prepare for, and document, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and those with other agencies.
PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: This position is authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Interns who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Intern must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Intern must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing a degree) in wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science, policy, ecology, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the Fellowship announcement.
Required:
- Fellowship is available to US Citizens and Permanent Resident only
- Fellow must be between the age of 18 and 35
- A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; a personal vehicle is required for personal time off and getting to-and-from the Fellowship
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to actively participate on interdisciplinary teams
- Ability to gather, organize, and interpret literature and relevant source materials
- Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check
Preferred:
- Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional
- Ability to interpret and analyze data and conduct simple GIS mapping
- Ability to prepare outreach materials including maps, graphics, and figures for social media and both internal and external audiences
- Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies
The Fellow must be willing to represent ACE and the FWS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
EOE: 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.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact 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 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 Recruitment and Member Manager, at 801-573-8984 or mearly@usaconservation.org.