Recreation Management & Ranger Internship

Organization: American Conservation Experience & Bureau of Land Management

Job Title: Recreation Management & Ranger Internship

Location: Bakersfield, CA

Hours and Compensation: Full Time — $175/week and housing provided

Application Deadline: until filled

Position Dates: start Nov. 2012 for a 26 week term

Posted On: Oct. 4, 2012

Organization Overview

American Conservation Experience is a non-profit conservation corps offering opportunities for both American and International volunteers to take part in challenging outdoor projects in many of the most beautiful National Parks, National Forests and wilderness areas in the Western United States. We are an affiliate member of The CorpsNetwork.

Description

Work will be conducted in the San Joaquin River George River Recreation Area, which lies upstream from Millerton Lake State Park and is flanked by the Sierra National Forest along its eastern boundary. A modest visitor fee for the use of this area was proposed in 2010 and was placed into effect January 2012. Funds collected will be allocated to general resource maintenance and further expansion of visitor services to include more guided tours, interpretive self-guided tours, and exhibits highlighting the natural and cultural history of the area. The ACE intern will organize and coordinate work with the BLM and partner organizations, and will prioritize overall duties as established by the supervisor.

The position will focus on visitor services including making visitor contacts, providing area information, completing compliance checks, handling cash, and making sales of Annual Passes. Additional duties will include maintenance of facilities (trash pick-up, cleaning bathrooms, trail maintenance, fence repair etc.), conducting/assisting with educational programs, developing a new trail system, developing an interpretive program, and additional tasks as assigned.

Work is predominately performed in the field. Up to 80% of the intern’s time will be spent outside. The climate is generally arid. Temperatures frequently exceed 90 degrees during the summer months and drop to 40 degrees in the winter months. Protective footgear, such as hard-toed boots may be required as protection from rattlesnake bites. The ACE intern may be required to work in remote areas of the field office. This includes driving four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and hiking up to 4 miles over rough, uneven terrain. Walking, digging holes, painting, posting signs, and other general maintenance work will be required. Extensive bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting up to 50 pounds will be required. The remaining 20% of the time will be spent in the office or at public meeting facilities.

Interns not willing to work varied schedules including nights and weekends through the duration of the internship will not be considered.

Responsibilities

 The individual selected for this position will serve as an intern for the BLM Bakersfield Field Office. The objective of this internship is to provide meaningful experiences for youth while also providing a benefit to public land resources and users. Interns will gain job skills related to the recreation aspect of public land management by working with land managers on various projects. Participants will be instilled with an appreciation of natural resources and the complexities of natural resource management.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a degree in biological or environmental sciences, wilderness management and/or policy, agriculture, natural resource management, recreation resource management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience level as defined by the Position Description.

Required Qualifications:

• Interest and Recreation Management, Natural Resource Management, and trail maintenance and construction.
• Interns must have a high fitness level and a high comfort level in remote settings.
• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
• Intern must be between the age of 18 and 25 (candidates who are 26-29 years old and have recently completed a relevant degree will be considered).
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and use of a personal vehicle.
• Intern must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work alone or in a small group setting with minimal supervision.
• Experience and/or ability to perform trail maintenance.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 pounds.
• Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals.
• English proficiency is imperative.
• Ability and willingness to undergo and pass a federal criminal background check is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Interest in public lands, recreation, and wilderness management.
• Proven customer service abilities.
• Ability and previous experience with accounting/handling money.
• Experience with maintenance tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact with diverse user groups.
• Experience with Wilderness camping and Leave No Trace principals.
• Some experience with use of GPS unit and GIS experience is a plus.
• Experience driving four wheel drive vehicles over rugged terrain.
• Knowledge of the interrelationships of various natural and cultural resources for example: range; wildlife; soil, water; minerals; and others.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of California’s public lands, cultural and historic resources, and natural environments is desired, especially the Sierra Nevada.

The intern must be willing to represent ACE and the BLM in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references (contact information only-no reference letters required) in ONE document to [email protected] with “BLM SJRG-CJB Referred” in the subject heading of your email. NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to call the Program Manager, Melissa Burns, at ( 801-946-5379).