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ACE EPIC USFS WY: Interpretation & Conservation Education Internship

American Conservation Experience
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Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bridger Teton National Forest, is seeking an Interpretation/Conservation Education Intern for 11 weeks to assist the Jackson Hole field offices to foster visitor understanding and appreciation of the National Forest, help people connect with their natural and cultural heritage, and build awareness of stewardship and how people can assist with the care of iconic places. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a background in Environmental Education or Environmental Science, or a closely related field, with a deep interest in jointly advancing their career goals and the stewardship goals of the US Forest Service and ACE. 

Start Date:  June 4th (flexible for the right candidate) 
End Date:  August 18th (or 11 weeks after start date)

Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Project Background and Objectives: The Interpretation and Education position is an 11-week internship based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The goal is to foster visitor understanding and appreciation of the National Forest, help people connect with their natural and cultural heritage, and build awareness of stewardship and how people can assist with the care of iconic places. The Bridger-Teton is an integral part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is highly valued for its large backcountry and wilderness areas offering outstanding solitude and wildlife related opportunities; free-flowing rivers with associated recreation opportunities; and unparalleled winter recreation at both developed ski areas and in the backcountry. During the summer, Jackson Hole hosts millions of visitors, providing an unparalleled opportunity to reach a diverse audience ranging from local residents to international visitors. The opportunity to be involved in a variety of conservation education projects awaits (see duties described below). 

 

Compensation: $600 per week living allowance (Stipend). Typical workweek will be 8-10 hours/day, 4-5 days/week.

Housing: Housing is provided by the USFS. 

Position Description: Interns will work with a team of passionate employees to develop and implement a variety of projects in support of promoting the value of the National Forest, connection to natural and cultural heritage and stewardship of the resource. Duties include: 

  • Coordinate a series of interpretive programs to be delivered at the Teton Village Contact Station and selected area campgrounds with focus on the history of public lands in the Jackson area, wildlife, fire ecology, water and wild river systems, wilderness, and night skies/astronomy. This task will involve working with non-profit partners for program delivery as well as some program development. 
  • Serve as a member of an employee group to update Forest signing with focus on Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Templates and guidance available from region 4 and region 6 would be used for this project. The goal is to develop professional-quality signing that is more graphic, conveys key messages more simply, and promotes the Bridger-Teton National Forest identity in a manner that welcomes visitors to the Forest. 
  • Work with youth summer programs, partner organizations, campground hosts, Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to schedule regular or one-time education programs following specific themes including the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers program, and the 50th Anniversary of the National Trail System. 
  • Create professional-quality educational displays for meeting rooms and front office space to help engage our staff and visitors, to tell our story, and to connect people to the value of Bridger-Teton National Forest lands. Go through BTNF archives/historic photos to find stories worth telling and supporting documents for display in the front office or meeting rooms.
  • Prepare a report documenting accomplishments during the internship and develop recommendations for potential future year projects that would further the goals of promoting visitor support and connection with the National Forest. 

Qualifications: 

  • A passion to serve and promote public lands and their stewardship in the spirit of a public servant, recognizing the mission of the Forest Service to provide for the sustainability of many diverse uses. 
  • A passion for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). 
  • The ability to communicate and interact in a positive, professional manner with various populations such as: project partner(s), colleagues, community volunteers, youth, and the general public.
  • The ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and be creative plus a willingness to ask questions for clarification. The ability to cooperate and serve as part of a small team. 
  • A background in education or interpretation. Formal or informal experience in teaching or public programming in history, wildlife biology, natural resources, or a related field preferred. Experience working with the public and children in outdoor settings is preferred. 
  • Upper level or recent college graduate.
  • Strongly prefer experience developing and conducting inquiry- based programs.
  • Strong public speaking skills highly recommended.
  • Ability to speak Spanish a plus.

 

This position will require working in both an office and outdoor settings. Work in outdoor settings may entail working in inclement weather, at high elevations (over 7,000 feet), working with agitated adults or challenging children, and the ability to hike up to 10 miles per day on rough surfaces.  

Required:

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
  • Interns must be US citizen or possess a green card
  • Since this position requires driving, interns must be 21+.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
  • Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record.
    • Ability to drive an [Agency or ACE] vehicle is required for this position. ACE will conduct a driving record check upon on-boarding and Intern must be cleared by ACE to drive. 
  • Must successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check provided through PCEI.
  • Ability to work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work in small teams in close/remote settings (teams of 3). 
  • Experience and/or ability to learn use of GPS unit.
  • Database management and ArcGIS software experience.
  • Must be able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
  • Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals.

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

**This position is subject to change/close at any time**