Internship Communications & Outreach Support Member – USFWS Northeast Regional Office
Job Description
ACE EPIC placements provide young adults with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers.
Funding for ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults.
For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking One Communications & Outreach Support Member to contribute to communication regarding Wildlife and Fisheries Restoration Grants with state fish and wildlife agencies and industry partners. During this term, the ACE member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to support the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program.
Start Date: October 3, 2022
End Date: September 29, 2023
**52-week commitment required, approximately 2,080 hours**
Location: USFWS Regional office, Hadley Massachusetts.
WSFR staff (biologists) partner with state fish and wildlife agencies, angling, firearms and ammunition manufacturers and conservation organizations throughout the United States to achieve on the ground conservation results. WSFR annually administers over $200 million in about 800 grants primarily to state fish and wildlife agencies to conserve fish and wildlife species and their habitats, provide for aquatic resource and hunter education programs, and expand and improve fish and wildlife-oriented recreation and boating access opportunities for the public.
For more information about the Northeast Regional Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/
Work 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.
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the refuge.
Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-competitive 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. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility.
Position Description:
This individual placement is meant to facilitate personal growth and professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with agency professionals. This could include gaining experience in a variety of conservation fields and/or shadowing different work groups.
The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the accomplishment of the following:
General content, material development, and storytelling. – 60%
Assists WSFR staff (regionally and nationally) with communicating grant accomplishments with state agencies and industry partners (target audiences identified in WSFR Communications plan, including supporting the Partner with a Payer Initiative. Duties will include developing creative content for Facebook, handouts/publications, trade shows, field and/or facilities tours for use by USFWS/WSFR and/or industry partners. Creating campaigns to raise awareness and increase knowledge of a broad spectrum of grant work related to research, inventory, monitoring and restoration of wildlife, access to public lands, access to shooting ranges, hunter education courses, fishing access sites, fish hatcheries and other conservation accomplishments. Disseminates information via web, direct email, press releases and social media. Helps senior staff with sharing best practices across WSFR staff regionally and nationally.
Coordination with Partners and Event Planning – 20%
Promotes USFWS\WSFR programs, grant accomplishments, initiative’s, products and events that engage state fish and wildlife agencies and specific target audiences as identified in WSFR Communications plans. Assists WSFR senior staff in engaging, coordinating and collaborating with state agency and industry partners. Help to develop and grow relationships with internal audiences and external conservation partners Assists WSFR senior staff in maintaining listing of events, coordinates logistics, scheduling and invitations for event. Tracks enrollment and participation.
Research and synthesizes data– 20%
Collects information and relevant metrics related to conservation of fish and wildlife species and/or their habitats, public hunting, angling and boating opportunities. Enters select metrics into databases to track program accomplishments, initiative milestones and other outcomes. Synthesizes data related to excise tax programs and grant accomplishments. Works with industry researchers related to trends, research, public opinions and grant accomplishments at the regional and national level. Conducts special projects and research as needed to address emerging needs identified by the program.
Project Goals and Objectives
Supports WSFR program staff in each Region and Nationally with communications efforts regarding program accomplishments of the Wildlife Restoration Program and Sport Fish Restoration Program grant funds and the work of industry partners with state and federal staff in funding conservation.
Within one year intern will have gained knowledge in the following:
o All aspects of communication initiatives with WSFR partners.
o Accomplishment of Dingle Johnson, and Pittman-Robertson Grant programs.
o Operational collaborative communication initiatives with various conservation organizations.
o WSFR Communications plans and initiatives nationally.
Project Tasks
Tasks include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Entering data into national regional databases as needed.
- Assists with planning and coordinating events and tours for state, federal and industry partners as requested.
- Summarizes information as needed to respond to data calls on grant outcomes.
- Participates in field reviews and facilities tours of WSFR grants and partners when appropriate.
- Develop stories and information for website, fact sheets, blogs and videos.
- Assists senior staff with providing technical assistance to States and industry partners.
- Conducts special projects and research as needed to address emerging needs identified by the program.
- Assists with development of communication products as needed.
Training: On the job training will be provided by supervisor and other Service staff.
Travel: Travel to participate in field reviews, facilities tours, conferences, etc. may be required. A travel budget will be provided.
Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking long distances over wet and rough surfaces while carrying up to 40 lbs.; bending, crouching, stooping, lifting or reaching. Hand and finger dexterity and physical coordination may involve fine and precise procedures, delicate adjustments or exact measurements.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The Communications & Outreach Support Member 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 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.
Qualifications:
Required
- 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.
- 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 required criminal history checks.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills
- Ability to gather, organize, and interpret literature and relevant source materials
- The staff member may encounter very diverse view points and opinions and should be flexible to hear many diverse points of view on many topics.
- The position requires extensive organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Competitive applicants for this position must hold a 4-year degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
Preferred:
- Strong desire to enter the public service field as a communications/natural resource professional
- Ability to prepare outreach materials including maps, graphics, and figures for social media and both internal and external audiences
- Ability to coordinate and organize field and office tours.
- Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS/WSFR and state fish and wildlife management agencies
How to Apply
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/. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell (cbarnwell@usaconservation.org), 595-484-7626. Vaccination Requirement: 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. 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.435 total views, 0 today