Native Seed Collection Conservation Leader Crew Member – Craters of the Moon National Monument – ACE Mountain West

ACE is hiring Conservation Corps Members for a 14-week term at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. Members will collect native seeds to support conservation efforts while working with federal agencies. The position offers a weekly stipend of $400, housing, training, and food on project days. Members will gain valuable skills in restoration and botany while enjoying recreational opportunities during their time off.
Conservation Crew Member – ACE Mountain West – Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Start Date: July 13th

Est. End Date: Oct 18th

Summary:

ACE is seeking a Conservation Corps Members committed to working at least 14 weeks (450 hour Americorps term if applicable) at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve.

Join American Conservation Experience – Mountain West Division – in Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve and enjoy a $400/weekly (paid bi-weekly), housing, training, and food on project (off project housing will be located in Idaho Falls).

While collecting native seeds to store in large seedbanks in case of massive wildfires. ACE crew members will be working with National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and/or Fish and Wildlife Service employees to identify and collect seeds from a variety of native species over the course of this project.

American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps with a divisional branch in Hurricane, Utah, is looking for members to come join our team of young adults serving on meaningful conservation projects at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. The Department of the Interior is embarking on a massive project to collect native seeds across the western United States in order to retain a large seedbank in case of massive wildfires. ACE crew members will be working with National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and/or Fish and Wildlife Service employees to identify and collect seeds from a variety of native species over the course of this project.

This opportunity is intended for those looking to learn valuable restoration and botany skills for their career while immersed in a community of like-minded young professionals from around the country. Members will serve for 14 weeks on while completing a 450 hour term of AmeriCorps service. While serving, members typically have 3-6 days off between each project to enjoy the abundant beauty and recreational opportunities with their friends and colleagues. Take your first step towards beginning or advancing your career by applying with us today!

Location: Hurricane, Utah

Projects typically take place throughout the Mountain West region including Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and other nearby locations. Common project locations include Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Dixie National Forest, Arches/Canyonlands National Park, Fishlake National Forest, Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument. This applicant will be specifically placed for Craters of the Moon National Monument. For scheduling purposes, they may be scheduled on a different project either the first or last two weeks.

Schedule: Project schedule will be either a 8 days on/ 6 days off or 4 days on/ 3 days off. For remote projects, members spend off days nearer to their project location.

Benefits:

Corps members will receive a Living Allowance of $400/week, paid bi-weekly for 14 weeks.

Corps members obtain an Education Award for the amount of $1,956.35 (for 12 weeks) upon successful completion of service.

ACE provides members with food during all project days; members are responsible for providing their own food on off days.

Completion of required hours receive Public Lands Corps Certificate

ACE provides members with free housing accommodations during their term of service. Members spend off days in the Hurricane, Utah hostel-style housing. The member will provide their own blankets/pillows/sleeping bag/towels.

AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying childcare coverage and federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Gear: ACE provides each member with their own tent. The member will provide their sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, and hiking boots. Upon acceptance to the program, members will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather can be highly variable, so plan on bringing layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear. Members will have access to deeply discounted Pro Deals via Outdoor Prolink once they are offered and accept a position and will have the opportunity to purchase discounted gear before their arrival.

Travel: ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the member’s term of service. ACE does not provide relocation assistance.

Position Description:

Members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors within ACE, while gaining invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and many other stewards of our nation’s public lands.

Typical Duties:
• Field work and additional responsibilities might include but are not limited to:
• Native seed collection
• Plant identification
• Habitat restoration
• Receiving ACE driver training and assisting the Crew Leader in transporting the crew to worksites
• Comply with and partake in camp life organization and chores
• Maintaining and repairing hand/power tools and other equipment as necessary.
• Hiking, backpacking, camping, and cooking outdoors while at front-country or backcountry campsites.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Applicants should be prepared to perform physically challenging labor on environmental and conservation projects for 10 hours a day. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying backpacks, tools, and equipment, and be prepared to spend up to 8 consecutive days in the field, on each project. Members will work in a variety of weather conditions such as temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and snow.

Required:
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• 3 months of experience with crew-based conservation field work
• Able and willing to work in a group
• Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions
• Willingness to undergo and must pass a required three-part criminal history check

Preferred:
• Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional
• Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities
• A willingness to be outside

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
• Physical Demands: Requires frequent 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 or equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus may be required.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 60lbs.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position requires domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) 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.

The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume, complete a motivational statement (instructions are provided when applying) OR upload a cover letter, and provide at least two references that are either professional or from a community leader (e.g., colleagues, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, career advisors) using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our usaconservation website.

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 contact Jason Martz ( j martz @ usaconservation . org) and/or Jessica Kervin (j kervin @ 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 nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities.

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 nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities.