Restoration Project Planner - American Conservation Experience - EPIC

Restoration Project Planner

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rio Puerco Field Office, is seeking one Restoration Project Planning member to contribute to restoration planning projects alongside BLM Staff.

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

Start Date: 07/01/2024

Estimated End Date: 01/11/2025, with possibility of extension up to a year from the start date.

Location Details/Description: Albuquerque, NM

For more information about the Rio Puerco Field Office, please visit the BLM website.

Position Overview: The Restoration Project Planner will assist with the creation, planning, implementation and monitoring of restoration efforts for identified sites on BLM Public Lands. This includes surveying sites, collecting data on the current condition, size, and type of disturbance, etc. With this data, they will then create maps in GIS, and contribute to NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) reports on proposed actions. The candidate would also assist in writing government Statements of Work and help coordinate public outreach for reclamation related projects.

There will be additional opportunities to expand training and duties to fit the interests of the candidate. This includes things like outdoor recreation, which includes trail maintenance, kiosk development, route designations, interpretation, Recreation Area Management Plan development and many other recreation related projects and programs. Additionally, the Planner will gain experience writing grants, submitting budgets and more. The Planner will have opportunities to work alongside various BLM programs to help gain a better understanding of the Agency's Multiple Use Sustained Yield Mandate.

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: The flexible Schedule will primarily be 5-8s, however 4-10s may be requested to better facilitate drive times and/or fit the needs of the program.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $900/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 eligibility information on our usaconservation website.

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 writing NEPA reports, driving government vehicles, and restoration of hazardous sites. Further training will be available depending on the interests of the candidate.

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
• 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.
• A willingness to be flexible in day to day duties, from manual labor outside, to making maps or writing reports in the office.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of making and analyzing maps using ESRI products.
• Ability and willingness to think independently and creatively to find solutions for the various challenges of working both in and out of the field.
• Experience working outdoors.
• Familiarity using a tablet and mobile applications.

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. 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 and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; 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. 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 BLM Rio Puerco Field Office or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM Rio Puerco 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 ACE's online application page for this position on the usaconservation website and job board. 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 feel free to contact Member Manager, Sheana Ward.

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.