Paleontology and Quarry Steward

Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Utah’s Price Field Office, is seeking two Paleontology and Quarry Stewards to dedicate 16 weeks in providing the stewardship of a world-renowned paleontological site through assisting in the development and delivery of inquiry and curriculum-based programs in Jurassic paleontology, environmental education and natural resource management.

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

Start Date: April 2024 – July 2024
Estimated End Date: 16 weeks after start date
*a 16 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Price, Utah

For more information about Price, Utah, please visit https://www.pricecityutah.com/

Position Overview: Jurassic National Monument contains the densest concentration of Jurassic-aged dinosaur bones ever found. Over 12,000 bones (belonging to at least 74 individual dinosaurs) have been excavated at the quarry. While paleontologists have learned a great deal about the Jurassic period from their findings, the site presents many more mysteries, making it a most fantastic outdoor lab and classroom. Visitors and youth will engage in hands-on field experiences, learn about public lands, and further their understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of natural and cultural resources. This will be achieved through the implementation and delivery of a curriculum-based education program, visitor center and public outreach, and site interpretation activities.

Check out these videos, made by ACE Alumni, to learn more about the work being done at the Quarry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaLNUeE88UQSY3e1bWs0Pya56biTkHOl4.

For more information on the BLM Utah Jurassic national Monument, please visit their websites at:

https://www.blm.gov/national-conservation-lands/utah/jurassic-national-monument.

This excellent opportunity is ideal for an enthusiastic young professional with a background in environmental education, paleontology, geology, ecology, biology, anthropology, conservation, natural resource management or a closely related field, with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in environmental education and outreach, as well as working in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the nation.

Resource Education: The member will assist in implementing and delivering hands-on, inquiry and curriculum-based education programs to k-6 school students regarding geology, ecology, and fossils. The 2024 Paleontology and Quarry members will specifically create and implement teaching programs for elementary students at the 4th grade level. Projects may also include developing new lesson plans, developing interpretation, and maintaining program statistics. 

Visitor Center Outreach: The member will help staff the visitor center and interact with visitors, providing information on the site, interpretative displays, available site activities, and leading guided tours. Additionally, the member will assist other visitor center duties such as, fee collection, bookstore operation, and general center maintenance (sweeping and care of interpretative displays).

Natural Resource Management: The member will assist with field surveys on federal lands, support fossil collections management, assist with preparing fossil specimens, provide photo documentation of excavations and field work, assist with excavations, maintain native plantings, assist with eradicating noxious weeds, and other various physically demanding tasks. 

Trail Monitoring: The members will assist staff with trail monitoring to promote visitor safety. 

Schedule: Members are expected to work 5 days/40 hours per week. Hours are fluid (with starting times ranging from 6am-9am), and work schedules for the visitor center and education staff will require weekend and holiday work.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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 here. 

Housing Assistance: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM. ACE members can receive up to $250/week in housing assistance.

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. Specific training may include Information Management and Technology (IMT) Awareness, Collections Officer and Cashier Training, and Defensive Driving.

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.
• Willing to maintain open lines of communication with both BLM and ACE staff and readiness to communicate needs as they arise. 
• 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 here.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and skills in the principles of education and interpretation.
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Deep interest in education.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.

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 Price Field Office or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM Price Field Office. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM Price Field Office, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to BLM Price Field Office 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 Sheana Ward, ACE EPIC Recruitment and Member Support Coordinator, at [email protected].

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) 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.