Grand Tetons National Park Vegetation Crew Member – May 2023 with American Conservation Experience in Grand Tetons National Park, Jackson, WY

Start Dates: May 22nd, 2023

Estimated End Dates: August 12th, 2023

Location: Grand Tetons National Park, Jackson, WY

Schedule: Project schedules vary greatly, but typically members serve 8 days on/ 6 days off, or 4 days on/ 3 days off. For remote projects, members spend off-days nearer to their project location. Remote projects often last multiple project schedule cycles.

Benefits: Member compensation and benefits include a package valued at over $1,700/mo.

Members will receive a Living Allowance of $240/week, paid bi-weekly.

Members obtain an Education Award for the amount of $1,824.07 upon successful completion of service.

ACE provides members with food during all project days; members are responsible for providing their own food on off-days.

ACE provides members with free housing during their term of service. When working in or near Southwest, members spend off days in our hostel-style housing in Flagstaff. When working remotely, members will be provided housing in those remote locations. The member will provide their own blankets/pillows/sleeping bags/towels.

AmeriCorps members may also qualify for childcare coverage and federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.  

Gear: ACE provides each member with their own tent. The member will provide their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, and hiking boots. Upon acceptance to the program, members will receive a more extensive packing list. Weather can be highly variable, so plan to bring layers of warm clothing and adequate rain gear. Members will have access to deeply discounted Pro Deals via Outdoor Prolink once they are offered and accept a position and will have the opportunity to purchase discounted gear prior to their arrival. 

Travel: ACE provides transportation to and from worksites; personal vehicles are not necessary throughout the member’s term of service. ACE does not provide relocation assistance.

Position Description:

Members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor careers, learn practical field skills, and develop confidence as emerging leaders in conservation. Members are afforded opportunities to learn and train under professional mentors within ACE while gaining invaluable career perspectives working alongside staff from the National Park Service and many other stewards of our nation’s public lands. 

Field work and additional responsibilities might include but are not limited to:

• Native species seeding and planting
• Plant identification and seed collection
• Invasive species removal
• Mapping and monitoring

Members get experience with, or in conjunction with, the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training:

• Restoration Equipment: Herbicide backpack sprayers, spray bottles, GPS units, and measuring tools.

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume, complete a motivational statement (instructions are provided when applying) OR upload a cover letter, and provide at least 2 references that are either professional or from a community leader (e.g., colleagues, teachers, counselors, religious leaders, career advisors) using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our website: https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/“>https://usaconservationcrew.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Qualifications: Applicants should be prepared to perform physically challenging labor on environmental and conservation projects for 10 hours a day. Applicants should expect to hike extended distances on rough terrain carrying backpacks, tools, and equipment and be prepared to spend 8 consecutive days in the field on each project. Members will work in a variety of weather conditions, such as temperatures ranging from below-freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, high winds, intense sunshine, rain, and snow.

Required:

• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Able and willing to work in a group
• Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of hiking moderate distances in somewhat rough terrain during inclement weather conditions
• Willingness to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check (National Sex Offender Registry check, Arizona state criminal history check, federal criminal history check)
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.

Preferred:

• Experience in hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional
• Experience or interest in volunteering in local communities

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 is required for the use of various tools or equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision, as well as the ability to focus, may be required. 
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 60 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can frequently change when working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise, such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position requires 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 safely and orderly so as not to endanger themself, fellow staff/members, or resources. 

The member must be willing to represent ACE and AmeriCorps in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs and underage drinking. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.