Visitor Services Member

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Visitor Services Member to contribute to the visitor services program alongside Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit usaconservation dot org.

Start Date: May 2025

Estimated End Date: October 2025

*21 week commitment is required - start date may have 1 to 2 week flexibility*

Location Details/Description: Cape May National Wildlife Refuge; Wildwood Crest, New Jersey

Established in 1989, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Its value for the protection of migratory birds and their habitat will continue to grow as wildlife habitat along the Jersey Shore is developed into roads, shopping centers and housing developments.

For more information about Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS website.

Position Overview:During this term, the ACE member will provide educational programs to the public about wildlife and habitats of the refuge, including the importance of shorebird nesting habitat to promote voluntary compliance with current shorebird protection rules. The ACE member will also assist with bird surveys and related biological tasks. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff to:

• Develop and present a variety of interpretive programs including orientation talks, conducted walks and demonstrations, to a variety of general public audiences or school groups.
• ​​Prepare and conduct on- and off-site interpretation programs for a variety of audiences.
• Assist with the management of wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation.
• Communicate effectively with visitors and staff by writing or through interpretive activities that aid in implementing the refuge's outreach program.
• Assist with development or revision of environmental education and interpretive materials, brochures, web content, exhibits and signs.
• Assist in operation of a visitor center.
• Assist with engaging local communities and developing partnerships.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is "Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats the the continuing benefit of the American People". The ACE Member will often be the sole representative of the Service at one of the only beaches in the area that is closed for the protection of nesting and migrating shorebirds. The Member will have the opportunity to engage with members of the public both through formal and casual interactions to explain the importance of these areas and how they fit into the larger ecosystem. The Member will work closely with Refuge staff to develop programming, shape a public message, and to conduct hands-on conservation work within a wide range of disciplines.

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 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm. 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, and early mornings and/or late evenings. 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 approximately 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 675-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to $2,817.14 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 675 hrs.

Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.

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 at usaconservation dot org.

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

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 Defensive Driver training, computer security training and on the job training in plant identification, bird identification, and coastal ecology.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Grant Funding Opportunity: The selected candidate(s) for this position will be eligible to apply for ACE's Access and Inclusion Grant. This is a $500 grant which is intended to make participation in ACE positions more accessible to individuals who are underrepresented in the conservation field. Grant recipients will be able to allocate this funding to financial need(s) of their choosing. A limited number of grants are available.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.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 three-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.
• 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: usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental education, etc. and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Knowledge of Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Conservation, Interpretation and Environmental Education
• Ability and willingness to learn new things, work with the public, ask questions, work in a team, work outdoors
• Deep interest in connecting with the public, community engagement, nature

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires 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.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Indoor work includes office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise is to be expected such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, or outside such as wildlife and effects from weather.
• 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 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 and/or ACE, 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 on our website at usaconservation dot org. 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 USFWS Member Manager, Claire Barnwell via email at cbarnwell at usaconservation dot org or at (585) 484-7626. ACE values an inclusive workforce - 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 with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.

Salary : $500