Vegetation and Ecological Restoration Member

Summary

The American Conservation Experience (ACE), a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO individuals for a Vegetation and Resource Stewardship position. The selected candidate will dedicate a minimum of 18 weeks to supporting the Southeast Utah Group (SEUG), which encompasses Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument.

This position is intended for a conscientious and hard-working individual with experience in any area of natural resource management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong interest in vegetation and resource management, as well as a commitment to the physical demands of fieldwork. They will join a dynamic team of natural resource professionals who are committed to the stewardship of natural resources in southeast Utah national parks.

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

Estimated Start Date: July 13, 2026

EstimatedEnd Date: November 12, 2026

*a 18 wk minimum commitment is required for the long term member*

Location Details/Description: Arches National Park and Canyonlands national parks with potential work in Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments (Moab, Utah duty station).

For more information aboutArches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview:

This position supports partner parks in the management of invasive plants, ecological restoration (seed collection, outplantings, salvage, revegetation) and assists with vital monitoring of natural resources to inform park management. The ACE Member may also assist staff in data summary and reporting. This position will expand the resume of anyone starting a natural resource career as well as provide career exploratory and networking opportunities as the individual works alongside resource management professionals in the national parks.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Members will typically work Mon-Thurs, 10-hour days (usually 6am-4:30pm in the summer and 7a-5:30p in the fall), though this can vary depending on project needs. Flexibility is possible with approval from the NPS supervisor. Assisting with backcountry field operations could require the member to work up to 8 days with off days on the front and backend of the hitch.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $745/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. A travel per diem will also be provided for overnight travel away from the duty station.

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 usaconservation website.

Housing: ACE members can be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of their term. This is reflected in the living allowance rate.

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. Specific training may include using GPS for survey work/data collection and herbicide application for invasive plant management.

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 parter 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.
• Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions and participate in often strenuous physical labor and hike up to ~10 miles off trail with field gear.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willingness to use herbicides.
• Willing to undergo and pass the required two-part criminal history check, including federal background check.
• 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our usaconservation website.

Preferred:

• Experience identifying plants in the field and distinguishing native and nonnative look-alike plants of the intermountain region.
• Experience with invasive plant management, manual or chemical methods.
• Experience using tablets or phones (smart devices) for data collection.
• Experience drafting summaries of work accomplishments and field observations.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent standing, walking, hiking, carrying up to 50lbs, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, crouch, and sit for extended periods while using a computer or driving. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions is required.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates including extreme heat/cold, wind and rain or snow. For office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic. Some power tool use such as brush-cutters or chainsaws.
• Travel: This position will not require travel beyond the Southeast Utah Group of parks, but may require overnight camping in remote backcountry locations for up to one week at a time.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Position includes the use of herbicide. 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: NPS will provide vehicle and any tools required for the accomplishment of duties. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), provided by NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS 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.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 ACE EPIC NPS Member Manager Vanessa Rogan.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, 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, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, 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.