Visitor Services/Park Ranger Member - Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Visitor Services/Park Ranger Member - Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Summary:

American Conservation Experience, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Refuge), is seeking one (1) Visitor Services/Park Ranger Member to provide information and education to a large diverse audience of over 140,000 visitors a year. The individual will work with Refuge staff to help develop outreach and interpretation materials, occasionally staff the visitor desk in the Refuge’s visitor center, and to share information about the Refuge and natural resources with visitors at the Refuge and at community events both on the Refuge and along the Wasatch Front. The individual will work directly with the FWS staff in support of conservation strategies to expand or enhance existing visitor opportunities both on and off the Refuge, help support and maintain high visitation areas, work with volunteers, and perform other outreach related duties.

The selected individual will also work with the Education and Outreach Specialist to help deliver educational field trips to schools and other community groups. They will also work with nearby National Parks including Golden Spike National Historic Park, Timpanogos Cave National Monument, and Fossil Butte National Monument on community outreach events and other collaboration opportunities.  Furthermore, the individual will help engage the public through social media and presentations to broaden the impact of outreach efforts.

For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org. 

Start Date: November 2024

Estimated End Date: November 2025

*a 51-week minimum commitment is required, approximately 2040 hours*

Location Details/Description: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge - Brigham City, UT

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge lies along the eastern edge of the Pacific Flyway and the western edge of the Central Flyway, making it an important resting, feeding, and nesting area for birds in both flyways. Birds visit the Refuge by the tens of thousands with more than 200 bird species stopping throughout the year and 67 species nesting on the Refuge. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge contains nearly 80,000 acres of marsh, open water, uplands, and alkali mudflats. The marshes and open water are managed using a complex system of dikes and water control structures to provide a variety of water depths suitable for the needs of different water bird species. The Refuge is an excellent place to observe wildlife along a 12-mile auto tour, as well as enjoying hunting, fishing and wildlife photography.

The Refuge is located on the ancestral homelands of the Shoshone, Paiute, Bannock, and Ute people known as the Newe or Meme (the People), the Refuge lands and waters support diverse plant and animal species in a mosaic of mudflats, river deltas, brackish and freshwater marshes, temporary ponds, and uplands. 

For more information about the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, please visit the refuge website.

To learn more about Golden Spike National Historic Park, Fossil Butte National Monument, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument,  please visit their websites.

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help the agency realize that mission. Duties include:

• Coordinate with the Visitor Services Manager, other FWS staff, and National Park Service staff on Visitor Services and community outreach related projects.
• Help staff the Refuge Visitor Center as needed, address any logistical needs, and welcome visitors;
• Conduct research and develop interpretive programs and materials including program outlines, pamphlets, and brochures utilizing interpretive techniques for communicating refuge management messages;
• Assist in strengthening and conducting outreach for the Refuge's Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. This program focuses on engaging diverse urban communities in nature-based experiences;
• Develop awareness and knowledge of the local culture and community, help broaden and deepen the connections with nature, and increase knowledge of engagement opportunities that are culturally relevant to the community.
• Independently research appropriate natural and cultural resource topics using a variety of sources and use conducted research to teach grade level specific curriculum materials for hands-on on- and off- site educational programming that fosters meaningful connections to natural and cultural resources, meets state education standards, and focuses on natural resources and history of the  Great Salt Lake Ecosystem.
• Coordinate and present developed education programs.
• Assist with Refuge and National Park Service events and community outreach activities.

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: Duties will primarily be carried out Tuesday - Saturday.  Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  A flexible work schedule may be required, which will involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.  Time off will 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 ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. 

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 1700-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25  grant year program, valued up to $6,895 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 1700 hrs. 

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

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 contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, hats, sun protection, 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. 

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.
• Knowledge of natural and cultural resources.
• Desire to work with diverse audiences in an urban setting.
• Writing skills with an understanding of basic grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisor, coworkers, and the public.
• 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 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 or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position will hold a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as environmental education, education, wildlife biology, environmental science, natural resources, parks and recreation, ecology or other related disciplines appropriate to the position or equivalent job experience in the realm of outreach, interpretation, or education.
• Experience working with schools and teaching formal or informal educational programming.
• Experience developing and participating in community outreach programs.
• Bilingual in Spanish.

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 and manual dexterity for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike 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 15 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates and indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel to nearby Refuges/sites (<2-hour drive).

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, 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, 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 on usaconservation dot org. 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 ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Mac Utter.

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.