American Conservation Experience: Professional Development Trails Internship
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ is seeking Professional Development Trail Interns to dedicate four months to working on Trail Construction and Maintenance projects with the US Forest Service, National Park Service and various other land management agencies. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young adults with a background in an environmental field and a dedicated interest in pursuing a career with the USFS, NPS, or other land management agency. These volunteer internships provide the opportunity to learn and train among professional mentors while contributing to significant land management efforts. Interns will also gain leadership skills while helping to supervise, train, and generally support ACE volunteers who are rotated into long term projects. Chainsaw training may be provided to individuals with a demonstrated interest in advancement. Interns will receive a $110 per week living allowance and food will be provided on work days. Start date: July 30 or August 13 End date: November 19 and December 3 A four month commitment is required. Location: Flagstaff, AZ, with travel provided to assigned project locations. Housing is provided in Flagstaff when not on project location. Working Conditions: Work is labor intensive and strenuous, performed outdoors in extreme terrain. Interns may work and operate equipment in adverse conditions that include extended exposure to sun, heat, wind, rain, thunder, loud noise, uneven terrain, mud, rattlesnakes, scorpions, and various stinging or biting insects. Living Conditions: Interns will be camping outdoors in all conditions for extended periods of time. ACE provides a tent (if requested) and all necessary camp cooking supplies. Comfort with primitive conditions and respect to Leave No Trace principles is a must. On work days food will be prepared and enjoyed as a group. Internship Major Duties and Expectations: Trail Interns will support ACE, the US Forest Service, the NPS and other agency staff on projects. Typical duties include: • Assisting ACE and agency staff with the construction of a variety of advanced trail structures such as stone staircases, dry stone retaining walls, rock check dams, waterbars, etc. Interns will also assist ACE staff in routine trail maintenance duties such as brushing trails, outsloping tread and clearing drainage structures. • Completing work tasks as instructed by ACE staff, keeping daily work log and demonstrate proper work procedures and methods while working in the field with or near other volunteer groups. • Following strict guidelines in making safety a priority, including the responsible use of personal protective gear and insuring that all tools, equipment, vehicles and other co-workers are working safely in all conditions. • Following instructions from all ACE, USFS, NPS, and other agency staff and understanding and respecting all wilderness regulations and policies. • Working with a professional demeanor as a part of a team. Good public communication skills are a must. Qualifications: Applicants for ACE’s Professional Development Trails Internship must be between the ages of 18 and 30, have an established interest in conservation issues and/or a background in Forestry, Conservation Biology, or similar field, and should take evident joy in tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset. Applicants must be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and terrain, and to participate as a team member, dedicated to ACE’s mission. ACE’s Professional Development Internship Program is meant as a stepping stone to environmental careers and as a gateway to potential advancement within ACE, not only as an interesting and rewarding way to spend 4 months working in beautiful locations. Drug users, including recreational smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing and generally abhors the presence of drug users in our program. Other Requirements: • Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only. • Interns must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE. • ACE will provide tents to all interns (upon request) but all other camping items such as sturdy boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, and raingear must be provided by successful applicants. Position available immediately and open until filled. Please apply ASAP. To Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references to i...@usaconservation.org with “Professional Development Trails Internship - ECOLOG referred” in the subject heading of your email. Please include the date that you are available to start in your email.
