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YCC Crew Lead and Maintenance Member – Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Summary
American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking One YCC Crew Lead & Maintenance Member  to contribute to refuge maintenance and biological projects alongside Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 2023
End Date:  November 2023 (26 weeks later)
*a 26 week minimum commitment is required *

Location: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, West Virginia

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the largest contiguous, high elevation wetland complex in West Virginia that harbors a vast assemblage of rare plants and animals normally associated with more northern latitudes.  Established in 1994, the refuge conserves, protects, and manages a mosaic of wetland, forested, and early successional habitat that supports migratory birds and threatened and endangered species. As a steward of a significant portion of the headwaters, the Refuge ensures the integrity of the natural resources of the upper Blackwater River watershed.

For more information about Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, please visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/canaan-valley

Position Overview: The ACE member will contribute to a wide range of duties from trail and facilities maintenance to supporting the Youth Conservation Corps by leading YCC members in a variety of projects on the refuge.

Primary Duties:

Supporting Maintenance of Trails, Roads, Equipment, and Facilities 

  • With proper training and guidance from FWS staff, operates hand tools and small two cycle engines, such as chain saws, weed eaters, and lawn mowers. 
  • With proper training and guidance from FWS staff, operates a variety of gasoline or diesel powered engineering and construction equipment with wheeled or crawler type traction and attachments. 
  • With proper training and guidance from FWS staff, supports maintenance of station grounds by mowing lawns, mulching, and weed eating. Utilizes hand tools, weed eaters, mowers, tractors and skid steer type loaders to perform various duties. 
  • With proper training and guidance from FWS staff, supports maintenance of walking trails, boardwalks, and observation points by keeping them clean from derbies, trimming encroaching shrubs and by making repairs such as replacing broken boards. Assist with trail restorations by digging ditches, installing water control features, and culverts. Utilizes excavator, skid steer, UTVs and ATVs to perform various duties related to trail work. 
  • With proper training and guidance from FWS staff, supports maintenance of gravel roadways. Utilizes a variety of diesel powered construction equipment with wheeled and crawler type traction and attachments. 
  • Drives one or more types of trucks with rated weight capacities up to and including one ton in hauling equipment, cargo, or passengers. 
  • Washes and fuels vehicles, performs such services as checking, changing oil and water; checking fluid levels in crankcases, power steering, transmissions, batteries, radiators, braking systems, etc. 
  • Assist in the maintenance and repair of small two cycle engines, heavy equipment, and vehicles. 
  • Uses and maintains power and hand tools such as hammers, hand saws, drills, planers, routers, power nailers, etc. 
  • Assures that necessary safety equipment is on hand and adequate supplies are available in accessible locations for field work. 
  • Cleaning, stocking and supplying designated facility areas (dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning ceiling vents, restroom cleaning etc). Performing and documenting routine inspection and maintenance activities. 
  • Assists the Safety Officer to perform safety related duties such as the inspection of buildings, vehicles, and equipment, inspecting and checking fire extinguishers, properly storing chemicals, and assisting Safety Officers to meet refuge safety requirements. 

YCC Program Support

  • Guide and direct YCC members in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive YCC program experience.
  • Model and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the safety of the group.
  • Manage resources appropriately (time, supplies, vehicles, equipment, and personnel).
  • Support special events and outreach activities to promote the refuge and its mission.
  • Collect and report accurate and detailed project data as needed including: YCC member timesheets, evaluations, and disciplinary forms. 
  • Communicate regularly with refuge staff to provide updates on youth crew accomplishments and challenges.

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 Monday-Friday, Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.  A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays.  Time off may 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 $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

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. 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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

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

Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes clothing and/or boots that are appropriate for fieldwork 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. Specific training may include heavy equipment operation, ATV/UTV training, and CPR/First Aid.

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.
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
  • Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-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. 
  • Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
  • To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements

Preferred:
  • Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a High School diploma or GED and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as ecology, natural resources, environmental education, etc.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability/willingness to learn how to safely operate small watercraft, cars, trucks and trailers. 
  • Ability/willingness to learn how to operate various specialized tools and equipment required for maintenance duties.
  • Enthusiasm for interacting with people. Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred. 
  • This position requires adaptability, as work plans can change at the last minute. Ideal candidates will be able to multitask and shift priorities to meet changing conditions.

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. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. 
  • 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
  • Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. 
  • Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
  • Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

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. 

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:  If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by FWS or ACE.  Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by 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 here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/938820.html 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 FWS Member Manager Danielle Ramsden at dramsden@usaconservation.org or (986) 217-2977.

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.