Interdisciplinary Member - Missouri National Recreational River

SummaryAmerican Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is seeking one member to contribute to an interdisciplinary project alongside MNRR Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 19, 2025

Estimated End Date: September 20, 2025

*a 18 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The Missouri National Recreational River consists of 126 river miles, which is broken into two segments of the Missouri River, the lower 20 miles of Niobrara River, and the lower eight miles of Verdigre Creek. Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) also consists of approximately 1,000 acres of land broken into five distinct properties which includes: three islands, one riverside property, and a scenic overlook. MNRR is a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and a unit of the National Park Service. Boating to and from the islands and along the river corridors is a recreational draw to the area. Additionally, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic vistas along the river corridor and in the NPS areas are recreational highlights. Being on or around the river is a regular activity for the staff of MNRR. The headquarters building and park offices are located in Yankton South Dakota. Additionally, MNRR is founded on being a partnership park and participates in many educational opportunities and events at our partner locations such as state, county, and city parks.

For more information about Missouri National Recreational River, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: During this term, the ACE member will perform a wide variety of tasks.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of MNRR staff to:

• Assist in the development and presentation of a variety of interpretive programs including ranger talks, pop-ups, conduct walks and demonstrations, to a variety of general public audiences and school groups of a variety of ages.
• Communicate effectively with visitors and staff through various communication methods.
• Assist with development or revision of environmental education and interpretive materials, web content, and social media.
• Help facilitate activities on the water including kayak events, river floats, and data collection on the river.
• Assist with conducting field surveys and research on a variety of plants and animals, some of which are exotic or rare, threatened or endangered
• Assist with photo-point monitoring, field observations, and data collection.
• Conduct exotic plant management goals and trials maintenance with powered equipment such as brush cutters, string trimmers, and hand tools.

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: Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required, which will involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays, and early mornings and/or late evenings. Exact days and times may shift each week. Time off may be granted, and requests should be directed to ACE and the NPS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $640/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Monthly Housing Reimbursement: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $850/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 and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $575 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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. ACE members will have up to $471 to spend on eligible training expenses.

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 criminal history checks
• 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
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Ability and willingness to have a positive attitude and willingness to contribute to a team through having good communication skills.
• Deep interest in working outdoors and having a growth mindset .

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. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Also includes indoor, office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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 the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website.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 NPS Member Manager, Vanessa Rogan.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.