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ACE: Visitor Services Member and Animal Caretaker – Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, CO

ACE: Visitor Services Member and Animal Caretaker – Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, CO

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife, is seeking one Visitor Services Member and Animal Care Member to contribute to environmental education, habitat restoration, and trails projects alongside Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge staff. During this term, the ACE member will work with local conservation organizations and schools to broaden the impact of refuge outreach efforts. The ACE member will support black-footed ferret conservation by enhancing existing curriculum, developing outreach and education materials, caring for captive black-footed ferrets, training and leading volunteers and youth groups to assist in shortgrass prairie restoration and trail work. The selected member will be part of the visitor services team and facilitate programs, field trips, lessons, games, hikes, stewardship projects, and art (including digital) to provide place based environmental education in a variety of settings.

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

Start Date: October 13, 2021
End Date: March 27, 2022
**24-week commitment required**

Location: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge – Commerce City, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is located just northeast of Denver, Colorado and covers 15,000+ acres of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitat. These lands have been farmed, used as a wartime-manufacturing site, and now serve as a wildlife sanctuary. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge provides environmental and interpretive programs, catch-and-release recreational fishing, 10 miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, public site tours, a self-guided Wildlife Drive auto tour, and refuge for more than 330 animal species including bison, black-footed ferrets, deer, coyotes, bald eagles and burrowing owls. 
For more information about Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Rocky_Mountain_Arsenal/about.html

Age Requirements: Funding for many ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults and therefore is subject to minimum and maximum age requirements of 18-30 (35 for veterans).  

This position requires ACE or FWS vehicle operation in the performance of the duties and therefore the minimum age to be considered is 21. 

Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Wednesday - Sunday.  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 FWS staff for approval.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a PLC non-competitive hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31. More information can be provided upon request. 

Position Description:
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.
Primary Duties include:

  • Conducting environmental education and outreach in a variety of settings
  • Developing education and outreach materials including program outlines, pamphlets, brochures, videos, and social media content
  • Caring for captive black-footed ferrets (feeding, cleaning living space, health monitoring and reporting, and providing enrichment activities)
  • Training volunteers in seed collection and planting for habitat restoration of shortgrass prairie
  • Providing quality customer service to visitor center guests


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. 

Equipment Use: A government vehicle is required to accomplish position duties and will be provided by the USFWS. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  

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.
  • This position is funded through a federal grant program for youth engagement, education, and employment, which has specific program requirements.
  • Must be 21-30 years of age to apply 
  • Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply.
  • 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 use hand tools, such as shovels, hammers, and rakes, for prolonged periods of time.
Preferred:
  • Spanish speaking/fluency preferred
  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in education, wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.


Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status. Current federal COVID policy states that masks must be worn inside federal buildings regardless of vaccination status. Intern agrees to follow these guidelines and any updates to the guidelines when working inside the Visitor Center.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, 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/. ***Academic transcripts are required for verification of related coursework and professional development purposes, as opposed to evaluating prior academic performance. 

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, Adam Auerbach, aauerbach@usaconservation.org, 720-812-1619.
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.