Southwest Seed Collection Conservation Crew Member

American Conservation Experience, a non-profit conservation corps with a divisional branch in Flagstaff, Arizona , is looking for members to come join our team of young adults serving on meaningful conservation projects throughout the Southwest . The Department of the Interior is embarking on a massive project to collect native seeds across the western United States in order to retain a large seedbank in case of massive wildfires. ACE crew members will be working during the first 12 weeks of their term with National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and/or Fish and Wildlife Service employees to identify and collect seeds from a variety of native species over the course of this project.
An optional second 12 weeks of the term will be spent on various conservation projects around Arizona, including:
Trail construction and maintenance Invasive species removal Habitat restoration Dry and wet stone masonry Reforestation Forest thinning Plant identification and surveying Fencing Historical and cultural preservation Members may gain experience with, or in conjunction with, the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training:
Trail Maintenance: Pick mattocks, Pulaskis, shovels, single/double jacks, McLeods, single bit axes, rock bars, chisels, crosscut saws, and griphoists.
Restoration Equipment: Herbicide backpack sprayers, spray bottles, GPS units, and measuring tools.
Power Tools and Gas Powered Equipment: Chainsaws, brush-cutters, drills, saws, and compressors.
This opportunity is intended for those looking to learn valuable skills for their career while immersed in a community of like-minded young professionals from around the country. Members will serve for 12 or 24 weeks on while completing a 450-hour or 900-hour term of AmeriCorps service. While serving, members typically have 3-6 days off between each project to enjoy Southwest abundant beauty and recreational opportunities with their friends and colleagues. Take your first step towards beginning or advancing your career by applying with us today!
Start date: July 22, 2024
Estimated end date: October 11 (12 week term) or January 17, 2024 (24 week term)
Location : Grand Canyon National Park (first 12 weeks), Projects around Arizona (second 12 weeks)
Orientation and Housing Location : Flagstaff, Arizona
Schedule: Project schedules vary greatly, but typically members serve 8 days on/ 6 days off or 4 days on/ 3 days off.
Benefits: Member compensation and benefits include a package valued at over $2,000/mo.
Members will receive a Living Allowance of $320/week, paid bi-weekly.
M embers obtain an Education Award for the amount of $1,824.07 (450 hour) or $3,447.50 (900 hour) upon successful completion of service.
Members completing a 900 hour term (24 weeks) will receive Wilderness First Aid training and Chainsaw training.
ACE provides members with food during all project days; members are responsible for providing their own food on off days.
ACE provides members with free housing accommodations for off days in Trinidad, Colorado during their term of service. The member will provide their own blankets/pillows/sleeping bag/towels.
AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying childcare coverage and federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
Gear: ACE provides each member with their own tent. The member will provide their sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, and hiking boots. Upon acceptance to the program, members will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather can be highly variable, so plan on bringing layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear. Members will have access to deeply discounted Pro Deals via Outdoor Prolink once they are offered and accept a position and will have the opportunity to purchase discounted gear before their arrival. Travel: ACE provides transportation to and from worksites ; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the member's term of service . ACE does not provide relocation assistance.
Professional Development Program This position will be participate in our Lead, Educate, and Facilitate (LEAF) Professional Development Program ! Members will engage in various professional development opportunities as a requirement for their ACE AmeriCorps term. These requirements include:
Conducting a professional meeting with an ACE staff member Facilitating a short conservation-related lesson with other crew members Attending two monthly professional development and/or community engagement events This program is especially geared towards providing professional and leadership development opportunities for those interested in exploring future careers in the field of conservation! Qualifications: Applicants should be prepared to perform physically challenging labor on environmental and conservation projects for 10 hours daily. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying backpacks, tools, and equipment and be prepared to spend 8 consecutive days in the field on each project. Members will work in various weather conditions, such as temperatures ranging from below-freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and snow.
Required:
U.S. Citizen or permanent resident Able and willing to work in a group Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions Willingness to undergo and must pass the required three-part federal criminal history check Preferred:
Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities 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 the use of various tools or equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions. Vision Requirements: Close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus, may be required. Weight Lifted or Force Exerted : Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 60 pounds. Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can frequently change working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Noise Environment : Moderate to high noise, such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Travel: This position requires 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 themself, fellow staff/members, or resources.
The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.
To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume, a cover letter, and provide at least two references that are either professional or from a community leader (e.g., colleagues, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, career advisors) using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on usaconservation dot org.
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact either Bec Rosenblum (rrosenblum at usaconservation dot org) or Sara Henderson (shenderson at usaconservation dot org). 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.