Internship Environmental Education Member, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
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, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, is seeking 1 member to work directly with Refuge staff and assist with the Environmental Education program.
Individuals interested in this position will experience first-hand the delicate balance of managing both wildlife and people. A great staff will be available to assist your endeavors both at work and play. Come help us make history as we embark into a new definition of environmental education! This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic individual with strong interest in gaining a robust experience in the field of environmental education.
Start Date: March 2022 or ASAP
End Date: 16 weeks after start date
Location: Philadelphia, PA
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is America’s First Urban National Wildlife Refuge and is in the center of it all. Located in historic Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, this urban refuge is a great place to start your career. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum protects approximately 1,000 acres of diverse habitat that supports over 300 species of birds and countless other species on the doorstep of Philadelphia, one of the largest metropolitan cities on the east coast. The refuge provides unique opportunities for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city into nature for relaxation.
For more information about USFWS John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz/
Work Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday – Friday, with some adjusted time for evening or weekend events. Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours.
Living Allowance: ACE member is expected to contribute approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided agency housing at no cost for the duration of the term. When residing in FWS provided-housing or on FWS lands, strict adherence to site specific policies and/or regulations is required.
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. More information can be provided upon request.
Position Description: The Environmental Education Specialist will assist the refuge in the following activities: prepare and present on-and off-site environmental education programs for a variety of audiences, develop and present interpretive programs like orientations and guided hikes for public audiences or school groups, learn to teach youth outdoor skills like fishing, archery, and kayaking, use verbal and written communication to engage the local community, develop or revise environmental education and interpretive materials, brochures, web content, exhibits and signs, draft a variety of written materials including news releases, articles, correspondence and event flyers, and assist in operation of a visitor center. These experiential learning opportunities will be hands-on, engaging, and culturally relevant and will utilize resources in the local community and environment. The position is responsible for supporting the implementation of curriculum through presenting programs, fostering partnerships, assisting in the planning of logistics, co-teaching and leading.
This position will require the successful applicant to develop and present environmental education programs both on the refuge and in classrooms, focusing attention on urban ecology & wildlife and the connections that exist between people and wildlife. Environmental education programs are aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Standards Aligned System for audiences in Kindergarten through 8th grade, primary audiences will be 4th grade students. Candidates should expect to work closely with communities that environmental organizations have failed to previously engage and represent. In addition to engaging students from local schools in repeated programming, candidates should also expect to work within the local Southwest Philadelphia Community to engage and build trust with community members and leaders alike. Candidates will engage directly with audiences of all ages and backgrounds and work alongside a diverse team of staff and dedicated volunteers.
Refuge staff will provide ample training and development opportunities both internally and externally to support the selected candidate. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply though all applications will be considered. Selected applicants should have strong communication skills, work well in a collaborative team setting, and have the ability to accept feedback gracefully and integrate it. This position requires work on occasional evenings and may include a shifted schedule to cover a weekend day.
Physical Requirements: This position requires physical exertion such as walking moderate distances (0.5 – 1.5 miles) over uneven, wet, or gravel surfaces; 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 candidate may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, wetland/marsh habitat, open water, biting insects, poisonous plants, and sun exposure. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Equipment Use/Safety: Any tools or equipment 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: Applicants for the position must hold or be pursuing a minimum of an associate’s degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Education, Childcare, Environmental Studies, or Biology.
Required:
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be 18-35 years of age (Interns must be 21-35 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
- A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required (documentation to be provided upon request)
- Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions with occasional challenging activity in support of environmental education. This may include: being outdoors on hot or rainy days, leading hikes of ½ mile to 1 ½ mile distance, and lifting, storing, and transporting kayaks and archery equipment.
- Ability to work alone and in a group
- Ability to speak and write in English
- Ability to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
- Wearing a clearly visible ACE-EPIC uniform component is required at all times
Preferred:
- A strong desire to learn and improve verbal and written communication skills to best engage diverse audiences
- Candidate from the Greater Philadelphia area
- Dual language speakers
How to Apply
To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. A cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience is optional. 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 Division Support Specialist, Claire Barnwell, cbarnwell@usaconservation.org, (585) 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.307 total views, 0 today