Natural Resource Member

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with John Muir National Historic Site is seeking TWO part time Natural Resource Member(s) to contribute to biological monitoring projects alongside NPS staff. 

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

Start Date: April 1, 2024

Estimated End Date: August 31, 2024

*a 22-week minimum commitment is required *

Please note that this position is part time ~24 hours per week.

Location Details/Description: John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez, CA.

John Muir National Historic Site is the home and fruit ranch once owned and managed by naturalist John Muir and is characterized by three separate park units: a 9 acres fruit orchard and ornamental garden site (House Unit); 350 acres of oak woodland and grassland (Mount Wanda Unit); 1 acre gravesite and orchard (Gravesite Unit).

For more information about the park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm.

Position Overview:

The ACE Member will work alongside 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.  The position is roughly 90% field-based (though some weeks may have more office time) with a focus on non-native invasive plant management (40%) and biological monitoring (60%).

Primary duties for this job include:

• 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.
• 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 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 trainings.

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.

Schedule: Work schedule will be either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, 7am – 1pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: ACE Member is expected to contribute ~24 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $396/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. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

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.
• 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• 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 be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associates degree and/or have relevant experience in the environmental sciences such as biology, ecology, natural resources management, wildlife biology, forestry, botany, and geography, or a similar program.
• A love of nature and physical outdoor work, with an interest in resource management, ecological restoration, and endangered species stewardship.
• CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid training or willingness to be trained.
• 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)
• 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. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• 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 30 lbs.
• 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 weed wackers 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. Work areas for this site will have environmental hazards such as ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes (training and safety precautions will be provided).

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required. 

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.