Summer YCC Coordinators– Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Summer YCC Coordinators– Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking TWO Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) Coordinators to contribute to a variety of youth conservation field projects, community outreach programming, and outdoor recreation experiences at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge alongside Minnesota Valley Refuge staff.
Start Date: May 2023
End Date: August 2023
**16-week commitment preferred**
Location: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge works to connect the vibrant cultures of the Twin Cities metro with the diversity of wildlife and habitat along the Minnesota River. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, the refuge welcomes visitors to enjoy the variety of outdoor experiences the Refuge has to offer. Established in 1976 by motivated residents, the Refuge preserved wildlife resources threatened by commercial and industrial development. Now, the Refuge enhances urban habitat while offering community programs, environmental education, and access to nature on the edge of the city as well as hunting, fishing and hiking in the more wild stretches of the Minnesota River.
The Refuge is part of a corridor of land and water stretching nearly 70 miles along the Minnesota River, from Bloomington to Henderson, Minnesota. Comprising more than 14,000 acres, the Refuge has multiple units, offering a variety of free outdoor recreational experiences for individuals and families. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge also manages a 14 county Wetland Management District.
The Refuge ranges from urban to rural providing a unique opportunity to enjoy wildlife related recreation in the shadows of skyscrapers and grain elevators. The Refuge provides valuable habitat for a diversity of waterfowl and other migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. It's a place where coyotes, bald eagles, prothonotary warblers, and trout live next door to more than three million people. Each unit offers a variety of attractions and seasonal activities. Individual units may have special regulations, as well as private land within their boundaries. For details about the individual units please refer to trail maps which are available at trailheads and education and visitor centers.
For more information about Minnesota Valley NWR, please visit:
Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. During this 16-week term, the ACE members will provide training, supervision, and mentorship to lead a youth crew through a variety of conservation projects both on the refuge and within the Twin Cities community. Additionally, this position will engage youth in first-time outdoor recreation experiences including fishing, paddling, hiking, nature photography, bird watching and biking. Lastly, this position includes facilitating the Conservation Career Discovery curriculum developed by the refuge Internship Coordinator.
The selected candidates will work directly with youth for 9-weeks of this position. The remaining 7- weeks of this position will involve required training, program and work schedule development, evaluations, and wrap-up reports.
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.
The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:
- Assist the Internship Coordinator with program planning and development of internship activities and resources.
- Lead the day-to-day activities for one 6-member high school intern crew and work with Internship Coordinator and other YCC Coordinator to implement activities for the entire 12-member high school intern team (ages 15-17) in a variety of conservation and wildlife habitat improvement projects both on refuge and in the community.
- Guide and direct interns in all phases of work projects to ensure a positive internship experience.
- Provide written and verbal evaluations of interns. Documents and provides clear feedback on past performance and expectations for future performance. As needed, make recommendations for disciplinary action.
- Model and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the safety of the group.
- Manage resources appropriately (time, supplies, vehicles, equipment, and personnel).
- Co-develop environmental and conservation education opportunities for the group.
- Facilitate recreation programs to teach the skills of archery, fishing, bird watching, photography, and other recreation-based activities.
- Safely operate a variety of federal vehicles and willingness to pull a trailer.
- Wear provided uniforms when representing Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at outreach events and ACE uniform during conservation projects.
- Support special events and outreach activities to promote the refuge and its mission.
- Collect and report accurate and detailed project data as needed including: interns timesheets, evaluations, and disciplinary forms.
- Provide weekly detailed updates on youth crew accomplishments and challenges to the Internship Coordinator.
- Attend and chaperone a 1-week residential program (dates July 31 - August 6) with youth crew in northern Minnesota, partnering with Friends of the Boundary Waters and traveling to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Schedule: Duties will typically be carried out between 8am and 4pm Central, Monday - Friday or Tuesday-Saturday, typically 5 days/week (5/8s). Work hours may vary as some projects may begin very early and/or go late into the day. 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.
Reports to: Minnesota Valley Trust’s Internship Coordinator
Supervises: 6 High school interns, assists with other crew
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: Preference will be given to local applicants. The selectee will be responsible for finding local housing. The selectee will receive a $400/week housing allowance, not to exceed $6400.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving on this project may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior (DOI) PLC non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours (16 weeks at 40 hours/week) and utilize their certificate when applying for qualifying federal positions within 2 years of receipt. More information can be provided upon request.
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.
- 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 must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
- 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 or willingness to drive trucks, 15-passenger van / Shuttle Bus (no CDL required).
- Strong Interpersonal, organization and time management skills.
- Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, patience and empathy toward others.
- Awareness of the significant and persistent inequities in our community. Desire to increase one’s own awareness and contribute positively to addressing those inequities to increase access and inclusion to the refuge to groups historically underrepresented in the field of conservation.
- Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.
Preferred:
- Enthusiasm for interacting with people.Experience in youth development programs and/or community building preferred.
- Willingness to receive non-motorized watercraft and trailer training.
- 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: This position requires physical exertion such as hiking long distances over hot, wet and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment and may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
- 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.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. When indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
- Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
- Travel: This position may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, moving water, 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 here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC FWS Member Manager, Nich Jackosky at 628-888-9336 or njackosky@usaconservation.org. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, we aim to connect with underrepresented communities and provide opportunities for local youth to explore and gain experience in natural resource management career fields. Persons that identify as part of the BIPOC community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Hiring Timeline for Position
· We will close and begin reviewing applications on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
· We will begin scheduling interviews on April 3, 2023.
· We will conduct in-person one-hour interviews from April 5 - 19, 2023.
· We would like to have the selected candidate start May 22, 2023.
*Timeline is provisional and may be subject to change if needed
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.