Youth Conservation Crew Leader - Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Youth Conservation Crew Leader - Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) Leader to contribute to a variety of youth conservation field projects, community outreach programming, and outdoor recreation experiences under the mentorship of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 2025

Estimated End Date: September 2025

*a 17-week minimum commitment is preferred*

Location Details/Description: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) works to connect the Twin Cities metro with the wildlife and habitat along the Minnesota River. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, Minnesota Valley 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 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 National Wildlife Refuge, please visit the FWS website.

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. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. During this 17 week term, the ACE member 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, working with partners of the Refuge, this position will introduce young people to a variety of careers in conservation and natural resources.

The selected candidates will work directly with youth for 9 weeks of this position. The remaining 9 weeks of this position will involve required training, program and work schedule development, evaluations, and wrap-up reports.

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.
• Work with Internship Coordinator, Refuge staff, and Refuge partners to implement activities for the entire 12-member high school intern team (ages 15-18) 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 TBD) with youth crew.

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 typically be carried out between 8 AM and 4:30 PM Central, 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. 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 ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $525/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.

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 $6800.

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, 15 passenger vehicle, non-motorized watercraft, and trailering.

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.
• Ability and willingness to drive trucks, 15-passenger van / Shuttle Bus (no CDL required).
• Strong interpersonal, organization and time management skills.
• Ability to demonstrate patience and empathy toward others.
• Commitment to completing tasks thoroughly and on time.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

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: 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 long distances over hot, wet, and rough terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs. Ability to 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 40 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• 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 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, 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 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 FWS Member Manager, Saige Ruleau.

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.