What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanized Equipment Operator position at American Conservation Experience?
American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.
Job Title: Mechanized Equipment Operator
Location: Flagstaff, AZ/ Remote
Department/Division: Solutions
Status: Temporary Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
Schedule/Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week with additional hours as needed with some adjustment expected to accommodate specific projects and program needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be occasionally required.
Reports To: Division Director
Travel: Extensive travel
Start Date: March 1, 2025
Grade: 3
Position Summary:
Mechanized equipment operation is a unique niche within conservation corps work, and ACE is at the forefront of this growing field. Public land management agencies are increasingly recognizing the value, cost savings and efficiency that machine work brings to trail building, invasive tree mastication, and other projects. ACE is seeking a skilled, excited and professional machine operator with experience in trail management, equipment troubleshooting and field repair, routine maintenance, and problem-solving. As a representative of the ACE Solutions Team, the Mechanized Equipment Operator must demonstrate a tenacious work ethic and set the standard for professionalism, serving as a model for the ACE crews that often work alongside them in the field.
This position plays an important role within the ACE Solutions Division, and will work under the direction of the National Trails Specialist to ensure optimal functionality of mechanized equipment operations (primarily trail construction). The Mechanized Equipment Operator is responsible for independently commuting to and from ACE Division Headquarters and work sites, seamlessly operating and maintaining a CAT 301.8 hydraulic mini-excavator with bucket, thumb and rock breaker attachments, and independently execute top notch mechanized trail construction from start to finish of each assigned project. The ACE Mechanized Equipment Operator may also provide technical support to ACE’s crew divisions and assist in the development of trails projects.
In between mechanized projects, under the direction of the National Trails Specialist, The Equipment Operator will work with crews in the field to provide technical support and training, ensure timely trail construction, rendezvous with agency contacts, and assist in ground-truthing.
Although much mechanized equipment work is currently located within public lands in the American Southwest, mechanized trail construction will occasionally be sourced within other parts of the country as well- potentially requiring an extended stay in the area for a month or more at a time.
The Mechanized Equipment Operator will regularly engage with ACE staff, members, project partners, and the general public. They are expected to maintain a professional demeanor, exhibit a positive attitude, and serve as an ambassador of ACE’s National Team. The Mechanized Equipment Operator must be flexible, adaptable, and enthusiastic- thriving in a fast-paced, travel heavy, field environment.
The Mechanized Equipment Operator will regularly engage with ACE staff, members, project partners, and the general public. They are expected to maintain a professional demeanor, exhibit a positive attitude, and serve as an ambassador of ACE’s National Team. The Mechanized Equipment Operator must be flexible, adaptable, and enthusiastic- thriving in a fast-paced, travel heavy, field environment.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Proper and Safe Operation of Mechanized Equipment - Primarily (but not limited to) CAT 301.8 hydraulic mini-excavator with bucket, thumb and rock breaker attachments
- Responsible for regular maintenance and upkeep on ACE mechanized equipment
- Proper use and upkeep of PPE
- Recommend and with approval, purchase supplies and parts for appropriate equipment
- Use weekly reports to log hours, activities and production rates for mechanized work.
- Coordinate with ACE Project Managers/Operations staff to ensure success by identifying and implementing appropriate mechanized work on projects
- Conduct pre-project site visits as applicable
- Prepare and load equipment one day prior to transport for project and properly derig equipment upon project completion
- Transport equipment to and from project site
- Assure successful mechanized construction from beginning to end of the project
- Occasionally assist with field training and technical support of ACE crews and staff.
- Will often work independently in the backcountry setting
- Responsible for troubleshooting and repairing mechanical challenges in the backcountry setting
- Will be expected to be able to plan logistics on upcoming mechanized equipment projects and plan for mechanical and logistical challenges.
- Other duties as assigned
Required Experience and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and two years of related professional experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree (AA 3 years or 4 years related professional experience). Specialized training, certifications, or license may be required for certain positions. Substitutions must be stated at the time the position is recruited.
- Ability to safely operate and maintain industry-specific mechanized equipment - Extensive training will be provided.
- Ability to obtain and hold machine operation certifications as needed
- Experience loading trailers and towing equipment in a variety of conditions including off road and urban settings
- Experience with risk management and implementing field safety protocols is critical for this role. An active Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is preferred, or the willingness and ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment
- Relevant experience and knowledge working directly with federal, state, or local land management agencies and/or nonprofit and/or private landowners
- Relevant experience and knowledge with managing trail program/operation elements, especially facilitating processes within a nonprofit organization
- Organized, consistent, and persistent with strong follow-up capabilities
- Strong working knowledge of agency laws and regulations
- Must be able to take initiative, work independently and unsupervised, and facilitate and participate in collaborative efforts
- Project management experience overseeing multiple projects and working with teams in different locations
- Understanding of and experience working with conservation corps or public land management agencies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work remotely and independently with limited supervision
- Willingness to travel long distances, spend multiple weeks, or more, away from home location; including camping in remote settings
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
- Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
- Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes
Desired Experience and Qualifications:
- Previous experience operating and maintaining Hydraulic Mini Excavators
- Knowledge of desirable mountain bike trail elements for trail project planning and implementation
- Experience in trail layout and design
- Previous experience building and maintaining trails with hand tools or mechanized equipment
- Understanding of and experience working with young adults in national service settings
- Knowledge and experience of Conservation work with familiarity of current issues
Other Requirements:
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record
- Proficient in English
- Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
- Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time
Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking/hiking, carrying, having full function of arms and legs. There is frequent travel to field sites via four wheel drive vehicles, fixed wing aircraft, and/or boats. Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of hand and power 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., occasionally moves up to 75 pounds.
- Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Indoor air quality is good and the temperature is controlled. Field sites involve exposure to adverse weather, i.e., rain, snow, wind, cold and/or heat, with outdoor Air Quality Index numbers occasionally and possibly exceeding 200.
- Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. At field sites, may involve loud equipment like chainsaws, brushcutters, augers, dozers, excavators and rock drills
- Travel: This position requires domestic travel.
The preceding statements describe the general job responsibilities and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of tasks and skills required. This job description may be reevaluated and/or modified at any time without notice. Employees are expected to comply with all company policies and procedures, as well as, state, federal and safety regulations.
Compensation: This position has a starting annualized salary range of $45,000 - $59,000 dependent on experience.
Medical/Health Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits). ACE Staff members are also eligible to participate in ACE's 403b retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution.
Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time annually during your first two years of continuous employment, then it increases to 120 hours annually. ACE observes 13 paid annual holidays (floating holiday flexibility). Additionally, ACE full-time regular employees also receive paid additional holiday time for any normal workdays that fall between the observed Christmas Day and New Year's Day holidays. ACE provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.
Additional Benefits:
Outdoor Perks - As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.
Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time annually during your first two years of continuous employment, then it increases to 120 hours annually. ACE observes 13 paid annual holidays (floating holiday flexibility). Additionally, ACE full-time regular employees also receive paid additional holiday time for any normal workdays that fall between the observed Christmas Day and New Year's Day holidays. ACE provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.
Additional Benefits:
Outdoor Perks - As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.
To Apply: Please submit a resume, one-page cover letter and contact for three professional/academic references to the application link. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity. This position may close at any time.
If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply!
If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply!
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.
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.
Salary : $45,000 - $59,000
