Visitor Services Support Members – Holgate Unit of Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Services Support Members – Holgate Unit of Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge 

Summary
American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking TWO Visitor Services Support Members to contribute to the Visitor Services program alongside  Edwin B. Forsythe NWR National Wildlife Refuge Staff. 

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

Start Date: May 2024
Estimated End Date: September 2024
*17 week commitment is required – start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility*

Location Details/Description: Holgate Wilderness Area of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge; Galloway, NJ

The Holgate Unit of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is located at the southern tip of Long Beach Island and is part of Forsythe’s designated Wilderness Area. It consists of more than 400 acres of barrier beaches, dunes and tidal salt marsh. Holgate is a critical nesting site for shorebirds including the piping plover. 

Edwin B. Forsythe was named in honor of the late conservationist Congressman from New Jersey. The refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats which is actively managed for migratory birds. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it an important link in seasonal bird migration.

For more information about Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe/about-us

Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will educate the public on the Holgate beach unit about the importance of shorebird habitat to gain voluntary compliance with current shorebird protection rules. Members will interact with recreational users to deliver key outreach information verbally and through interactive activities. Members will be expected to carry out work independently and as part of a small team. 

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:

• ​​Conduct on-site interaction with a variety of audiences to convey key information about the needs of wildlife and compatible recreational uses.
• Develop and conduct mission related interpretive and educational activities to engage a diversity of audiences on shorebird and habit protection, local wildlife, and other relevant topics.
• Collect and report visitor contact counts.
• Assist with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, recreational fishing.
• Assist with on and off site events and engage local communities and developing partnerships.

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.

Physical Requirements: This position requires vehicle operation, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, walking over uneven, wet, or rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs., bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching.  

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Visitor Services Member 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.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays, and early mornings and/or late evenings. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $750/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: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements. 

Housing: Housing may be provided onsite

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $100 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, socks, pants, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase. 

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 interpretive programming, effective community engagement skills, and shorebird protection. Professional development opportunities such as cross training days with other divisions and staff, attending online training and in-person workshops are encouraged.

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 three-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• 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: https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position should have relevant experience and/or education in subject areas such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education.
• Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors.
• Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires 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 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work  includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
• 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 FWS or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS and/or ACE, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.  Strict adherence to FWS 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/1064820.html 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 ACE EPIC USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 484-7626.

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.