Recreation Support Member - Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area - American Conservation Experience - EPIC

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Eastern States Office, is seeking TWO Recreation Support Members to contribute to park facilities and maintenance projects alongside BLM staff.

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

Start Date: November 12, 2024

Estimated End Date: May 23, 2025

*a 28-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, Florida.

The 120-acre ONA is in southeast Florida, in the northern portion of Palm Beach County and is managed by the BLM Southeastern States Field Office in Jackson, Mississippi. The site is located at the confluence of the Indian River Lagoon and Loxahatchee River within the municipalities of the Town of Jupiter and the Village of Tequesta. These cities make up the northern extent of an urban environment that stretches south to Miami providing all the amenities that can be expected from such urban environments. North of the site is a gap in Florida's urban coast, through the Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, before the urban setting continues north.

For more information regarding the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area visit their website.

Position Overview:

The ACE Members will focus on improving and maintaining facilities and infrastructure at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. This work includes physical labor and is primarily outdoors. Daily tasks will include trails clearing and brushing, maintaining historic buildings, and general landscaping, planting, vegetation trimming, clearing trash, fence repair, road maintenance, painting, and bathroom upkeep. The primary goal of this project is to provide memorable and meaningful learning and recreational experiences, foster development of a personal stewardship ethic, broaden public support for preserving the natural resources, and improve area's operations.

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: Mon-Fri, 7am - 3:30pm with some availability on weekends.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $400/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for an 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award while serving under the EAP 2024/25 grant year program, valued up to $3,447.50 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 900 hrs.

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

Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. 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.

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
• 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.
• 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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing environmental or field sciences degrees and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as construction, architecture, landscaping, or facilities maintenance.
• Ability and willingness to work both inside and outside during all types of weather.
• Knowledge of landscaping using hand tools including battery and gasoline powered tools. Handy with troubleshooting problems and making basic repairs to park facilities and equipment.
• Deep interest in maintenance and facilities work. Committed to teamwork in a safety-first environment. Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to safe work standards described in park Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs).

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat, 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 BLM or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM 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 at usaconservation dot org. 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 Member Manager Caris Hill. chill at usaconservation dot org.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

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.