Natural Resources Program Member

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area (BLM Cross Bar SRMA), is seeking one Recreation Program Member to contribute to the development of the Cross Bar SRMA alongside BLM Cross Bar SMRA Staff.

 

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

 

Start Date: February/March 2024

 

Estimated End Date: 52 weeks after start date *a 52 minimum commitment is required*

 

Location Details/Description: Amarillo, Texas

 

Amarillo, TX

 

This eclectic Panhandle city shines with an inviting mix of Old West heritage and artistic energy. There, you can explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park on horseback or watch cowboys and cowgirls compete at championship rodeos; cruise past vintage storefronts in the Route 66 Historic District or gaze at contemporary works in the Amarillo Museum of Art; walk in the footsteps of a legendary rancher at the Charles Goodnight Historical Center or purchase Western attire from artisan shops.

 

For more information about Amarillo, Texas, please visit https://www.visitamarillo.com/

 

Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area

 

A hidden gem lies just north of Amarillo - twelve thousand acres of public land known as the Cross Bar Management Area. Some fifteen miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas, the BLM administers 11,883 acres of surface estate on the Cross Bar. The Cross Bar is the only BLM-administered surface estate in Texas. Since 1996, the BLM has been quietly improving recreation opportunities there, but there is more work to be accomplished to meet mandated SRMA designation requirements, Presidential priorities, and Secretarial Orders. Working at Cross Bar SRMA provides an opportunity to see site design and management from the initial stages.

 

For more information about the Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area, please visit https://www.blm.gov/visit/cross-bar-management-area

 

Position Overview:

 

The BLM Cross Bar SMRA is providing an opportunity for one member to gain hands-on experience in the field of recreation planning and natural resource management. Since the Cross Bar Special Recreation Management Area is still under development, the successful candidate will be able to gain experience through a variety of projects, from environmental assessment reports to public outreach. Under the guidance of BLM Staff, the member will contribute to the development of NEPA documentation and federal compliance processes. The member will also maintain and upkeep trails, assist in wildlife monitoring, and manage invasive species. The member has the potential to support the OFO operations in many different disciplines/functions and operational capacities, most notably within the resources division - Environmental Planning, Archaeology, Realty, Wildlife Biology, Minerals, etc.. Those participating in this program will have the opportunity to learn about BLM land-management challenges and responsibilities, gain an understanding of the ins-and-outs of developing previously private lands for public use, and get boots on the ground experience in recreation planning. 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.

 

Examples of potential duties:

 

Administration:

 

NEPA Documentation - the successful candidate will be trained on environmental assessment process and technical report writing.

Timesheet submission, email response, attending interdisciplinary team meetings, upkeep of vehicles and logs.

Outreach:

 

Coordinate and assist in the execution of volunteer workdays.

Communicate with members of the public, stakeholders, and government representatives.

Fieldwork:

 

Trail building and maintenance.

Invasive species removal through chemical and mechanical means.

Wildlife inventory and monitoring, camera trapping.

Fence repair and construction.

Wildfire assistance as needed (not a Red Card certification - assistance is defined as manning gates, giving directions, transporting water, etc.)

General maintenance of equipment and buildings.

These duties are not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned according to project needs.

 

Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday between the hours of 8am - 5pm MST.

 

Position Benefits

 

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM Cross Bar SMRA 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. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

 

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM Cross Bar SRMA.

 

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $125 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 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 are safety boots, hiking backpack, or camelbaks. Gear 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 and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

 

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 two-part criminal history check.

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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

 

Preferred:

 

Background or interest in natural resource management, outdoor recreation, natural sciences, etc.

All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.

Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

Willingness to take on different tasks according to project needs.

Willingness to, with proper certification and training provided by the BLM, operate heavy machinery and UTVs.

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, 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.

Travel: This position may require 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.

 

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the BLM Cross Bar SRMA. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM Cross Bar SRMA. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM Cross Bar SRMA, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM Cross Bar SRMA 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 the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. 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 Recruitment and Member Support Coordinator, Sheana Ward, at 772-529-8143 or sward@usaconservation.org

 

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.