ACE Conservation AmeriCorps Member Canaveral National Seashore, FL

Summary:

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a nationwide non-profit Conservation Corps in Asheville (NC), in partnership with AmeriCorps.

ACE is seeking Corps Members dedicated to serving 9 weeks (300 Hours) at Canaveral National Seashore. This is a unique opportunity to explore a barrier island and contribute to the restoration of a primitive backcountry island camping resource. Over the past few years, The National Seashore's trails and islands have experienced multiple hurricanes, severe storms and vandalism. The resulting damage to natural resources and loss of infrastructure has posed both a safety risk and challenge to public enjoyment of these resources. This opportunity is intended for young adults with a deep interest in contributing to conservation efforts and restoring this unique public land resource.

Corps Members volunteer their energy and enthusiasm, working long hours in adverse weather conditions, to do work that is not always glamorous. This opportunity is for environmental stewards who are eager to give back to our public lands.

Our mission is to introduce and prepare Corps Members for careers in resource management with ACE, with other conservation corps, or with public land management agencies such as the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, State Parks, or the Bureau of Land Management, along with others. The Southeast Region encompasses a vast area ranging from New Jersey to Florida, the Outer Banks to the Mississippi, and then everywhere in between. For this position Corps members will be working at Canaveral National Seashore for the duration of their 9 week terms. Orientation will be done virtually via zoom.

Start Date: 6/14/2023

First day in Field: 6/20/2023

Estimated End Date: TBD

Location: Canaveral National Seashore, New Smyrna Beach, FL

Schedule: Typical Corps Members work 5 days on/ 2 days off.

Benefits: Members will receive a Living Allowance of $96/day, paid bi-weekly.

Corps Members eligible for an Education Award for the amount of $1,311.11 for a 300-hour position upon successful completion of service.

ACE provides Corps Members with lunch and snacks on field project days; Corps Members are responsible for their own meals before and after work.

Gear: ACE provides each member with their work shirts and any Personal Protection Equipment (PPE-helmet, safety glasses, gloves). The member will provide his or her own work pants, rain gear, and boots. Upon acceptance to the program, Corps Members will receive a more extensive packing list

Travel: Members will need to report to the worksite each day at Canaveral National Seashore and are responsible for their own transportation.

Position Description:

Corps Members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in the field of conservation. Members are afforded opportunities to learn and train under the guidance of professional mentors within ACE, and will gain invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the National Park Service and other stewards of our nation's public lands.

Field work and other duties might include but are not limited to:

• Trimming Vegetation
• Removing litter/debris from trails, shorelines, boundary lines, and remote island campsites
• Repairing and installing campground infrastructure: picnic tables, fire rings, etc.
• Performing shoreline preservation
• Trail construction and maintenance

Corps Members get experience working 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, rakes, hand saws, and loppers
• Power Tools and Gas Powered Equipment: Brush-cutters, drills, and grip-hoist if needed

Qualifications:

Applicants must be capable of performing physically demanding labor on environmental and conservation projects for 8-10 hours a day. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying up to 40 lbs for daily tasks. Corps Members will work in a variety of weather conditions such as temperatures ranging up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, and rain.

Required:

• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and up to 35 for Veterans
• 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
• Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background 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

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.

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 (including recreational pot-smoking) and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received and preference will be given to local applicants, non local applicants will be considered as positions are filled. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Emily Oostveen, Outreach & Member Support Coordinator, eoostveen@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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