Youth Recreation & Engagement Member - American Conservation Experience - EPIC

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, is seeking One Youth Recreation & Engagement Member to contribute to the San Juan project alongside Bureau of Land Management Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 2025 (contingent upon passing a government background check)

Estimated End Date: 18 weeks after the start date

*a 18-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Situated in the northern reaches of Washington State's Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands are a uniquely beautiful archipelago of over 450 islands, rocks, and pinnacles. The new San Juan Islands National Monument encompasses approximately 1,000 acres of land spread across many of these rocks and islands and managed by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management. Drawing visitors from around the world, this is a landscape of unmatched contrasts, where forests seem to spring from gray rock and distant, snow-capped peaks provide the backdrop for sandy beaches. The San Juan Islands National Monument is a trove of scientific and historic treasures, a refuge for an array of wildlife, and a classroom for generations of Americans.

For more information about San Juan Islands National Monument, please visit the BLM website.

Position Overview: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking a dedicated and motivated Field member for an exciting opportunity based primarily on Lopez Island, Washington with much time spent on San Juan island. This hands-on opportunity offers a unique chance to gain experience in resource management, recreation, interpretation, and public engagement within a dynamic and scenic environment. Approximately 90% of the members work will be field-based, with routine ferry travel between islands and occasional odd hours to accommodate travel and field work. The position will involve a variety of responsibilities that contribute to the management and preservation of public lands, while also providing valuable professional development opportunities. The member will work closely with the Monument Manager and other mentors to complete a capstone project that aligns with both the needs of the BLM and the members professional goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fieldwork & Visitor Services:75%

• Represent the BLM in a positive, professional, and friendly manner while interacting with visitors.
• Provide safety, fire prevention, and recreational facility information to visitors.
• Patrol monument locations (beaches, forest trails, parking lots, etc.) and engage with the public to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Will be required to work weekends.
• Review visitor use patterns and suggest improvements to operations or facilities.
• Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator to meet volunteer program goals.
• Camp on remote islands as needed for multi-day patrols and site maintenance (optional).

• Develop and present a variety of interpretive programs, including orientation talks, environmental education programs, and guided walks.
• Conduct independent research on historical, natural, and cultural topics to develop interpretive content.

• Gather and analyze data on existing recreational resources to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with the planning, maintenance, and operation of recreation areas and facilities, ensuring they are safe and ready for public use.
• Monitor and maintain facilities, signage, and public areas to ensure safety and preservation of natural and cultural resources.
• Oversee fee collection activities, maintain financial records, and submit deposits.

• Assist with specialized fieldwork across various disciplines, such as cultural resource management, biology, botany, forestry, and historic preservation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary work with BLM staff and partners to support land management and renewable energy projects.

Capstone Project: The member will work closely with the Monument Manager and other mentors to complete a capstone project that supports BLM objectives while aligning with the intern's personal career development goals. This project will offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute meaningfully to the BLM's mission.

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: Negotiable but will generally include weekends and holidays. Example, a Friday to Tue per day schedule or Friday to Monday schedule. Schedules will vary to manage public events and busy holiday weekends. Camping for short periods of time on other islands will be necessary. Camping equipment is provided.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please see the ACE website for more information on PLC eligibility. 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.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the 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 $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $246 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position 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 required training such as privacy act, EEO and GIS, field work, first aid, Leave No Trace, and interpretation.

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.
• 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.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a natural resources degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as environmental education, environmental justice, archeology, tribal engagement.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, and local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of visitor service and interpretation.
• Ability and willingness to work in diverse environments and contribute to a wide range of tasks.
• Deep interest in working in land management and/or tribal relations.

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: Ability to do physical work such as light maintenance and trailwork.
• 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 motorboats, hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position will require travel to remote islands with the option of some overnight camping depending on candidates interest.

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.

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 our website. 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 EPIC BLM/USFS Project Manager, Anna-Louise Calliham.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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.