Sorry, this listing is no longer accepting applications. Don’t worry, we have more awesome opportunities and internships for you.

ACE: Snowy Plover Education and Outreach Team Member, Coos Bay District Office, AmeriCorps Eligible

American Conservation Experience - EPIC

ACE: Snowy Plover Education and Outreach Team Member, Coos Bay District Office, AmeriCorps Eligible

Coos Bay, OR
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    SUMMARY: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit conservation corps in partnership with the Coos Bay Bureau of Land Management (BLM),is seeking a ONE SNOWY PLOVER EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TEAM MEMBER to dedicate 26 WEEKS working directly with the BLM staff at the Coos Bay North Spit, located on the south-central coast of Oregon.

    This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic, early-career professionals with a background in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental studies, parks and recreation, natural resource management, or a closely related field.

    START DATE: Mid May 2021

    END DATE: *26 weeks after official start date

    LOCATION: North Bend/Coos Bay, Oregon

    This site is the southernmost end of a complex of ocean beaches, sand dunes, pine and spruce forests, lakes, and seasonal wetland habitats extending along the Oregon coastline from Florence to Coos Bay. The ever-changing habitat is home to a wide variety of mammals and birds, including the Western Snowy Plover.

    The Coos Bay North Spit is a 15-minute drive from downtown North Bend. The BLM has an established boat ramp at the site with restroom facilities. The North Spit is accessed through a sparse network of primitive sand roads, and non-motorized horse and foot trails. Popular recreational activities include bird and wildlife-watching, clamming and crabbing in Coos Bay, hiking, camping, hunting, surfing and fishing near the jetty, and sightseeing on the ocean beach. Seasonally, from March 15 to September 15, there are public recreation restrictions for the Western Snowy Plover nesting areas.

    LIVING ALLOWANCE:

    The member should anticipate serving 40 hrs/wk and will receive a living allowance of $225/wk for food and incidentals, dispersed bi-weekly.

    AMERICORPS ELIGIBLE:

    This position may be eligible for a 900hr AmeriCorps Education Award (3097.50) upon successful completion of the term of service hours. Award is dependent on length of term. Additional enrollment is required to be eligible.

    HOUSING:

    Housing will be provided at no cost by the BLM. Housing is shared occupancy with other ACE Members and/or BLM staff on the North Spit.

    PUBLIC LAND CORPS SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITY:

    ACE Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a special hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Qualifying Members are those who serve a "minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service on appropriate conservation projects as defined in the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 and at least 120 hours were served on a project utilizing the Public Lands Corps legal authority." Eligible Members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 30.

    POSITION DESCRIPTION:

    The position is a multi-disciplinary opportunity for wildlife and recreation management. The chief responsibilities include cruising the North Spit sand roads by vehicle, UTV, and on foot, and monitoring recreation activities while informing the public about the Western Snowy Plover seasonal restrictions. The Plover Outreach Member will also play a substantial role in placing boundary ropes and signs around the seasonally closed nesting habitat in the spring, maintaining them throughout the season, and removing the materials at the end of the closure in September.

    The Plover Outreach Member will interact with and educate the public about the rules and regulations on the North Spit. In addition to the aforementioned duties, workload consists of recording recreation violations, and conducting public education and outreach about the Western Snowy Plover and the North Spit. The Outreach Member will collaborate and communicate with Wildlife Biologist and BLM law enforcement staff about activities recorded on the North Spit. Additional opportunities to plan interpretive, environmental education programs and presentations about the Western Snowy Plover are possible with a motivated Member.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT AND DEMANDS:

    This is a physically demanding position requiring walking long distances in sand, activities include digging, carrying heavy loads including ropes & signs, and driving extremely rough terrain. This position is exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions and requires daily interactions with the public.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    Applicants for the position must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree OR work experience in environmental science, botany, horticulture, natural resource management, park management, recreation, wildlife biology, or a related discipline while enrolled in a related college or university program. The Members must be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work reliably and productively alone or in a group.

    ACE Requirements:

    • Members must be 18-30 (Applicants between 31 and 35 may be considered based on veteran status)
    • Members must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with U.S. government contracts.
    • Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
    • Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record with ability to provide required documentation; (Driving record checks will be completed during on-boarding process. (Members must be 21+ to drive ACE/Agency vehicles)
    • Ability to drive an Agency or ACE vehicle is required for this position. ACE will conduct a driving record check upon on-boarding and the member must be cleared by ACE to drive.
    • Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals and demonstrate effective communication skills with the public of all ages and backgrounds.
    • ACE is a drug free workplace and reserves the right to drug test at any time
    • Interest in a career in Natural Resources and Natural Resources Management.
    • Must be physically fit for outdoor work in all types of weather.
    • English proficiency required.

    Preferred:

    • Knowledge and ability utilizing GPS equipment in the field.
    • Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle on steep, rough terrain, possibly pulling a trailer.
    • It is highly desirable to have a personal vehicle, as it is difficult to secure reliable rides for groceries, travel, or partake in other activities during off hours/days.
    • Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.

    The member must be willing to represent ACE and the BLM in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.

    TO APPLY:

    Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/

    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 the Member Manager, Celia Demers at cdemers@usaconservation.org or 385-226-1260.

    EEO:

    American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EO) 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.