Natural Resource Member

Natural Resource Member

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with

John Muir National Historic Site is seeking Four Members to serve as a Natural Resource Member

and assist NPS Staff with biological monitoring projects.

For more information about ACE, please visit our usaconservation website.

Start Date: February 10, 2025

End Date: September 27, 2025

*a 33-week minimum commitment is required *

Location: John Muir National Historic Site. For more information about the park, please visit

the NPS website.

Living Allowance: ACE Member is expected to contribute ~24 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $432/week to offset the costs of housing, food, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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

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 contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our usaconservation website.

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.

Position Description:

This position is located within the Branch of Natural Resource Management (NRM) with the main goal of providing support for managing, monitoring, and synthesizing natural resource data at John Muir National Historic Site (JOMU) in Martinez, CA. The internship works closely with park staff and park partners and is roughly 90% field-based (though some weeks may have more office time) with a focus on non-native invasive plant management (60%) and biological monitoring (40%). Work schedule will be either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, 8am – 2pm (due to warmer weather, the start time will switch to 7am in April). Primary duties for this job include:

• Managing non-native invasive plants using manual techniques (weed trimmers, hand-pulling) and assisting with herbicide application.
• Identifying, monitoring, and mapping target species and populations of native and invasive plant species using GPS units.
• Collecting data from various plant species for the California Phenology Project.
• Serving as a biological monitor during mowing operations.
• Assisting biologists with various biological monitoring projects including reptile, small mammal, bird, and pollinator surveys, including installation of trap-lines, data collection, and data input.
• Assisting with photo-point, wildlife camera, and water quality monitoring.
• Providing NRM support through maintaining and cleaning equipment, assisting with outreach events, attending relevant meetings, and participating in training.

 

Qualifications:

Required

• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A love of nature and physical outdoor work, with an interest in resource management, ecological restoration, and endangered species stewardship.
• Aptitude for working outdoors in varying climates, on steep slopes, and ability to carry up to 30 pounds.
• Willing to work in areas with environmental hazards such as ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes (training and safety precautions will be provided).
• Ability to work well in a team while balancing individual responsibilities.
• Ability to use basic computer programs (Microsoft Office Suite, GPS/GIS experience not required, but a plus)
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

Preferred

• Education and/or experience in the environmental sciences such as biology, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife biology, forestry, botany, and geography, or a similar program will also be considered.
• CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid training or willingness to be trained.
• Experience using ArcGIS software platforms- both desktop and AGOL.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome. Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese are especially useful in this park.
• Deep interest in entering the public service field as a natural resource professional.

 

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 10 lbs., ability to move up to 30 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.

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 [agency/partner] or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the [agency/partner]. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the [agency/partner], will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to [agency/partner] and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.