Visitor Services Support Member – Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

EPIC • Crystal River, FL

13h • $650 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Visitor Services Member to contribute to the refuge Visitor Services Program under the mentorship of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance in conducting community and social media outreach, monitoring and recording visitation data, educating the public, as well as various administrative duties. This position will help FWS realize its mission at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of various tasks. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to interact with and educate visitors
• Ability to tolerate the Florida summer heat
• Comfortable kayaking and standing for extended periods of time

Nice To Haves

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in natural resources, biology, ecology, conservation education or a related subject.
• Ability and willingness to work with others, including but not limited to other interns, staff members, volunteers and the public.
• Deep interest in deep interest in wildlife conservation and education.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with community outreach through Facebook and other outlets
• Conducting interpretive programs
• Monitoring and recording visitation data for Three Sisters Springs (TSS) and other units of the Complex
• Communicating with the public on how to recreate responsibly inside TSS
• Scanning documents and entering data
• Assisting with biological studies as needed
• Producing, editing and distributing interpretative documents
• Assisting with regular, routine patrols in designated recreational areas to observe, inspect, and report on user activities and on-the-ground conditions, to maintain contact and liaison with and provide information to visitors, and to obtain specific information and data required by the FWS supervisor.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $650/week
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term and 640 hours of service
• Provided Housing at no cost
• Gear Reimbursement: up to $200 for eligible gear purchases
• Provided Training/Orientation including potential training in ATV/UTV, motorboat and invasive species monitoring equipment.

What This Job Offers

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