Recreation Outreach Development Member

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management Alaska State Office, is seeking One Recreation Outreach Development Member to contribute to the Alaska Long Trail feasibility study project alongside BLM Alaska State Office Staff.

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

Start Date: 10/07/2024

Estimated End Date: 03/21/2025

*a 24-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The BLM state office in Alaska is located in Anchorage. BLM Alaska manages more surface and subsurface acres than any other state with BLM-managed lands. This includes over 70 million surface acres and 220 million subsurface acres (Federal mineral estate) in a state with a landmass equivalent to about one-fifth of the entire contiguous United States.

BLM Alaska manages the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, the Steese National Conservation Area, the Iditarod National Historic Trail, and six Wild and Scenic Rivers. BLM Alaska also manages the agency’s only National Recreation Area. Located just an hour’s drive from Fairbanks, the 1-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area offers 13 public-use cabins, stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation.

For more information about the Alaska State Office, please visit the BLM website.

Position Overview: During their term of service the ACE Recreation Outreach Development Member will serve in the Alaska State Office alongside the BLM recreation and national conservation lands lead in facilitating the Alaska Long Trail feasibility study project. The member will facilitate the ongoing preparation of the Alaska Long Trail feasibility study which is being conducted for possible inclusion as a new National Scenic Trail. They will assist the project lead to stay on schedule, with document development, public meetings, and all other facets of the project.

Duties will include document preparation, sharepoint file organization, compilation of contact databases, public outreach, and facilitation of the NEPA process. This experience will provide the member opportunities to enhance basic career skills in resource management objectives and implementation, with particular emphasis on public outreach and project facilitation. The member will be provided with excellent networking opportunities, and exposure to the vital agency work that happens behind the scenes.

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: 35 hours per week. Monday through Friday, flexible schedule adjustable for the applicant between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. This is not a remote position, however, telework options could be available.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~35 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 Bureau of Land Management 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 eligibility information on our website at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Bureau of Land Management.

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 $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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 Geographic Information System, National Environmental Policy Act, Recreation Planning, Travel and Transportation Management Training, budget, and other opportunities as schedule allows.

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 and pass a Federal background investigation.
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a Natural Resource Management, Recreation, Planning, or related degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as public outreach, recreation or travel management planning, or related fields which demonstrates the applicant’s ability to collaborate with a variety of audiences.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of public outreach methods and demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to prepare documents that include Word, Excel, PDF, and email-based documents with demonstrated experience in document editing and technical editing.
• Deep interest in land management.

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.
• Environmental: Mainly indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• 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 Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Bureau of Land Management and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.