Restoration & Reporting Member

Summary
The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking one (1) Restoration & Reporting Member to contribute to various office and field work projects alongside BLM staff.

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

Start Date: April 2024 (pending federal background check)
Estimated End Date: 25 weeks after the start date
*a 25-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Susanville, CA / Eagle Lake Field Office

Public lands managed by the Eagle Lake Field Office cover over one million acres in northeastern California and northwestern Nevada. The area offers an amazing diversity including forests, peaceful lake shorelines, scenic river canyons, and expansive high deserts. These areas provide myriad recreational opportunities, and other uses including timber harvesting and livestock grazing that help meet the food and fiber needs of our nation. 

A personal vehicle is recommended due to the remote location of Susanville, CA, and the limited public transportation available.

For more information about the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, please visit https://www.blm.gov/office/eagle-lake-field-office.

Position Overview:  The BLM Eagle Lake Field Office is seeking one member with an interest in rangeland management, land management, and environmental sciences. The member will be assisting Field and Range Managers in digitizing Range files, range improvement projects, water rights reporting, and participating in NEPA meetings. Other duties will be assigned as needed with opportunities for fieldwork in the spring. Field work will consist of field surveys and mapping for projects. Fieldwork may also include minor fence repair, wildlife guzzler, spring improvement repairs, assisting the Interdisciplinary Team in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental analyses, and participating in associated field surveys and field trips. 

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, generally 8 AM to 5 PM, for the duration of the project. Occasional work on the weekends may be required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM 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 is not provided by ACE or the BLM. 

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $600.00 per month. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures 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,  a mid-term evaluation, and an end-of-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred: 

• Deep interest in public land management agencies.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource management professional.
• Ability and willingness to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals. Ability to take initiative, work independently, and participate effectively in collaborative efforts
• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree/education and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as in Rangeland Management, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems, or related fields.
• Ability to use GPS devices and knowledge of ArcGIS software.

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 is 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.
• Environmental: [Outdoor and indoor conditions. Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; The weather is consistent with the Western Great Basin. Temperatures in the summer can and will reach 100°F, and during the winter can drop well below freezing. Snow is common in the winter. Field work can be strenuous and many trails are in steep, rugged terrain.

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