Recreation and Outreach Member

Recreation and Outreach Member

Summary

The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking one (1) Recreation and Outreach Member to contribute to outdoor recreation and summer education projects alongside BLM staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: ASAP

Estimated End Date: End of September 2025

*a 17-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Primarily Buffalo, WY with occasional work in Newcastle, WY.

Buffalo, Wyoming is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Big Horn Mountains and is conveniently located at the intersections of Interstates 25 and 90. Buffalo is just a short drive to skiing, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, guest ranches, lakes, streams, and mountains. It is a sportsperson's paradise with an abundance of spectacular scenery, wildlife, fascinating frontier heritage, and outdoor recreation.

For more information about the BLM Buffalo Field Office, please visit their website.

Position Overview: The Buffalo and Newcastle Field Offices (BFO and NFO respectively) are providing an opportunity for one Recreation and Outreach Member to gain hands-on experience in the fields of outdoor education and recreation.

Outdoor Recreation

The Outdoor Recreation and Outreach Member's primary responsibility will be the facilitation and implementation of the outdoor science education and recreation programs put on throughout the summer season. Each summer, the Buffalo Field Office and Newcastle Field Office conduct several education events, ranging from one-day events to a five-day overnight event with students from ages 6 - 17. During the 5-day program, the Recreation and Outreach Member will camp with the students (middle school age). The Outdoor Recreation and Outreach Member will have some freedom in deciding the topics and lesson plans, but subjects need to be related to science and/or outdoor ethics. Candidates for this position will have the chance to develop skills in curriculum development, lesson planning, and informal teaching in an outdoor setting. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a unique project based on their skills and interests that will benefit the recreation programs in BFO and NFO. Additional projects include trail and recreation site maintenance, travel management planning, and visitor contacts. The intern will have opportunities to experience what other BLM specialists do and will be encouraged to explore other career options, provide ideas and input, and research ways to improve the recreation program.

BLM Cross-Training

The Recreation and Outreach Member will have the opportunity to shadow other departments in the BLM. The intern may work with other programs as needed and as time allows, including sensitive species plant surveys, rangeland monitoring, fire/fuels management, wildlife management, water flow data collection, and more.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday between the hours of 8am - 5pm MST. Occasional weekend and evening shifts may be necessary for project needs.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM BFO and ACE and is not flexible.

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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please see the ACE website for more information on PLC eligibility.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and is not provided by ACE or the BLM BFO.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding the distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $300 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Examples of eligible gear for this position would be boots, a sleeping bag, rain gear, sunscreen, and backpacks. All must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies, procedures, and networks for support. The BLM will be able to provide UTV/ATV training, First Aid/CPR training, trailer training, and 4X4 off-road driving training.

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 criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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.
• Must be over the age of 21 for vehicle operation.

Preferred:

• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Ability and willingness to work with kids of all ages, and/or the desire to.
• Ability and willingness to camp outdoors.
• Deep interest in recreation management, public lands, and conservation.

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 is required for the 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 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 as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: The interns will be stationed in the Buffalo Field Office, where most of the work will occur. Approximately 10% of the work will occur in the Newcastle Field Office. Travel to and from Newcastle will be with the Outdoor Recreation Planner.

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 themself, 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 BLM BFO. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM BFO. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM BFO, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM BFO 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. 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 Project Manager Allison Finch via email at afinch @ usaconservation dot org.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.