You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

ACE: Biological Science Technician and Lead - Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking Two Biological Science Technicians to dedicate 26 weeks working directly with the Exotic Plant Management Team, exploring the field of natural resource management. One of these two positions will act as the ACE team lead.
These opportunities are intended for enthusiastic, emerging professionals with a background in ecology, botany, biology, natural resource management, or a closely related field, who possess a deep interest in advancing their career goals through hard work and commitment to the professional staff and amazing biological resources of these national parks. Please note: these are highly independent positions, and require high levels of independence and autonomy.
Start Date: Late May, 2020 (may be flexible for the right candidate)
End Date:  November, 2020
 *A 26-week commitment is required*
Location: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, Colorado.
Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.
Project Website:  For more information on Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, see the website:  www.nps.gov/flfo For more information about ACE and the internship program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Compensation: The ACE Members can anticipate serving ~40 hours/week. The ACE Team lead will receive $650 / week for food and incidental expenses; the ACE Team Member will receive $570 / week.
Housing: NPS housing is NOT provided for this position. However, ACE Members can submit for Housing reimbursement at a rate of $125 week for 26 weeks (total value = $3250/member).
Position Description: The ACE Members will work collaboratively with the National Park Service staff as part of the Exotic Plant Branch. The members will accomplish a wide variety of projects including invasive plant treatments, vegetation monitoring, native seed collection, plant salvage and revegetation of native plant communities.
Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Treating invasive plant populations;
  • Monitoring vegetation;
  • Collecting native seed;
  • Salvaging and revegetating native plant communities;
  • Collecting and recording field data on plants and plant communities accurately;
  • Using databases and spreadsheets to enter biological data;
  • Navigating in backcountry settings using compasses, topographic maps, aerial photos, and / or GPS units;
  • Mapping spatial data using GPS units in the field;
  • Facilitating with leadership of volunteer and youth groups on natural resource restoration and protection projects;
  • Using a variety of equipment for fieldwork, such as UTVs, backpack sprayers, GPS units, and hand tools.
The use of GPS units, computers, digital camera, and government vehicles will be required to accomplish these projects. Projects will include long periods of time standing, bending over and hiking in developed, remote backcountry, and wilderness areas of the parks. The ACE members will be required to be physically able to hike one-to-ten miles (round-trip) in rough terrain carrying a 50-pound backpack.
Work Environment:  These positions are primarily a field (outdoor) positions. When in the field, weather conditions may vary and will include potential for fast-moving lightning storms and temperatures varying between 60 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Projects will be performed at altitudes above 8,500 feet. Work will also include heavy lifting of items such as backpack sprayers up to 50 lbs., as well as bending and stooping for long periods of time. Members will hike in steep terrain up to 10 miles a day in front and backcountry settings, on and off trails, in a variety of weather conditions including rain and snow. Indoor work will include sitting at a desk in the park resource offices. Fieldwork also includes exposure to biting insects and wild animals.
Qualifications: Applicants for the position must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in environmental science, botany, ecosystem restoration, biological sciences, natural resource management, park management, landscape architecture, forestry, or a related discipline. The applicants must be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work comfortably alone or in a group. 
Required:
  • Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner;
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation;
  • Proven ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group;
  • Proficient in English;
  • Must be between the ages of 21 to 30 (This position's age limitations are a requirement of the Public Land Corps Act. Additionally, members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
  • Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request);
  • Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check.
Preferred:                        
  • Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences;
  • Ability to identify plants and wildlife using identification guides and dichotomous keys;
  • Knowledge and ability using GIS/GPS equipment in the field;
  • Ability to work alone or in a group, at times with limited supervision;
  • Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle on steep, rough terrain, including UTVs;
  • Degree or significant coursework in botany, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, geography, or closely related field as they relate to the position noted;
  • It is highly desirable to have a personal vehicle, as it is difficult to secure reliable rides for groceries or other activities that you wish to engage in during off hours.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position, located through the external application link on Handshake. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Jen Wells at jwells@usaconservation.orgPlease indicate in your cover letter if you are interested in the Crew Lead or Crew Member position (or both).
EOE: 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.