Visitor Services and Outreach Member - Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex

EPIC • Charlestown, RI

9d • $800 • Hybrid

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Member to develop, implement, and evaluate nature-based programs and outreach under the mentorship of staff at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This position will help FWS realize its mission at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex by focusing on visitor services and outreach to increase access to outdoor recreation, including "Big 6" priorities like hunting and fishing. The ACE member will support and engage visitors, increase public understanding of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and gain professional development and exposure to land management agencies.

Requirements

• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• A personal vehicle is required due to the remote nature of housing.
• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, education, communications/marketing, or other related disciplines appropriate to this position.
• Experience or knowledge in hunting & fishing recreation.
• Comfortable and willing to work in and around boats, with potential to take boat operation training.
• Ability and experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to interact with the visiting public of all ages in a professional manner.
• Deep interest in wildlife conservation and management.
• Comfortable living and working in shared space and remote conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with analysis of hunter survey data and translate key findings into actionable improvements for refuge hunting programs.
• Support hunt operations for deer, waterfowl, and turkey season, as well as mentored deer hunt programs for Veterans and youth.
• Lead coordination of fishing programs at Rhode Island refuges, like the Cinder Worm Fly Fishing Series.
• Provide public archery programs and lead outreach opportunities that enhance visitors' understanding of nature-based recreation across the complex.
• Support and lead guided field trips and programs, like nature walks, for school groups and the general public.
• Support partner programs like the North Attleboro Fish Hatchery Open House and the Providence Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership.
• Represent the Service at relevant outreach events, conferences, trainings, seminars, and meetings.
• Provide support to mission-critical projects at refuges throughout the Northeast region as appropriate.
• Gain experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups, potentially including biology, management, and maintenance teams.
• Conduct a short "detail" opportunity at Lenape National Wildlife Refuge.

Benefits

• Living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term and 640 hours of service.
• Provided FWS housing at no cost for the duration of the term.
• Up to $200 for eligible gear purchases.
• Position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures.
• CPR and First Aid training.
• Required employee trainings for use of government equipment and vehicles (e.g., IT, Defensive Driving).
• Other Visitor Services, Education and Outreach, and broader FWS trainings, depending on availability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree