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ACE: Assistant Communications and Outreach Specialist - USFWS Northeast Regional Office, MA

ACE EPIC placements provide recent young adult graduates with focused, hands-on opportunities to work alongside and under the guidance of agency mentors as they apply their knowledge of resource management on their path to becoming the next generation of resource and land managers.

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS - Northeast Regional Office , is seeking 1 Assistant Communications an Outreach Specialist to work directly with the USFWS Northeast Regional Office staff and assist in communication of Wildlife and Fisheries Restoration Grants to state fish and wildlife agencies and industry partners.

The Assistant Communications Specialist will assist Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) staff (biologists) who partner with state fish and wildlife agencies, angling, firearms and ammunition manufactures and conservation organizations throughout the United States to achieve on the ground conservation results. WSFR annually administers over $200 million in about 800 grants primarily to state fish and wildlife agencies to conserve fish and wildlife species and their habitats, provide for aquatic resource and hunter education programs, and expand and improve fish and wildlife-oriented recreation and boating access opportunities for the public.

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in the USFWS or natural resources management on public lands out of the Northeast Regional Office, USFWS.

Start Date: November 22nd, 2021
End Date: December 9th, 2022
**55-week commitment required**

Location:  Project Website: USFWS Regional office, Hadley Massachusetts. For more information about the Northeast Regional Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/
For more information regarding the ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Age Requirements: Funding for many ACE positions is provided by a federal program designed specifically for the employment of youth and young adults and therefore is subject to minimum and maximum age requirements of 18-30 (35 for veterans).
This position requires ACE or FWS vehicle operation in the performance of the duties and therefore the minimum age to be considered is 21.

Living Allowance: ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700 /week to cover the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: No housing available. No housing, living, or relocation allowance provided.

Position Description:
General content, material development, and storytelling. - 60%
Assists WSFR staff (regionally and nationally) with communicating grant accomplishments with state agencies and industry partners (target audiences identified in WSFR Communications plan, including supporting the Partner with a Payer Initiative. Duties will include developing creative content for Facebook, handouts/publications, trade shows, field and/or facilities tours for use by USFWS/WSFR and/or industry partners. Creating campaigns to raise awareness and increase knowledge of a broad spectrum of grant work related to research, inventory, monitoring and restoration of wildlife, access to public lands, access to shooting ranges, hunter education courses, fishing access sites, fish hatcheries and other conservation accomplishments. Disseminates information via web, direct email, press releases and social media. Helps senior staff with sharing best practices across WSFR staff regionally and nationally.

Coordination with Partners and Event Planning - 20%
Promote USFWS WSFR programs, grant accomplishments, initiative's, products and events that engage state fish and wildlife agencies and specific target audiences as identified in WSFR Communications plans. Assists WSFR senior staff in engaging, coordinating and collaborating with state agency and industry partners. Help to develop and grow relationships with internal audiences and external conservation partners Assists WSFR senior staff in maintaining listing of events, coordinates logistics, scheduling and invitations for events. Tracks enrollment and participation.

Research and synthesizes data- 20%
Collects information and relevant metrics related to conservation of fish and wildlife species and/or their habitats, public hunting, angling and boating opportunities. Enters select metrics into databases to track program accomplishments, initiative milestones and other outcomes. Synthesizes data related to excise tax programs and grant accomplishments. Works with industry researchers related to trends, research, public opinions and grant accomplishments at the regional and national level. Conducts special projects and research as needed to address emerging needs identified by the program.

Project Goals and Objectives
Support WSFR program staff in each Region and Nationally with communications efforts regarding program accomplishments of the Wildlife Restoration Program and Sport Fish Restoration Program grant funds and the work of industry partners with state and federal staff in funding conservation.
  • Within one year intern will have gained knowledge in the following:
  • All aspects of communication initiatives with WSFR partners.
  • Accomplishment of Dingle Johnson, and Pittman-Robertson Grant programs.
  • Operational collaborative communication initiatives with various conservation organizations.
  • WSFR Communications plans and initiatives nationally.

Project Tasks
Tasks include but aren't limited to the following:
  • Entering data into national regional databases as needed.
  • Assists with planning and coordinating events and tours for state, federal and industry partners as requested.
  • Summarizes information as needed to respond to data calls on grant outcomes.
  • Participates in field reviews and facilities tours of WSFR grants and partners when appropriate.
  • Develop stories and information for website, fact sheets, blogs and videos.
  • Assists senior staff with providing technical assistance to States and industry partners.
  • Conducts special projects and research as needed to address emerging needs identified by the program.
  • Assists with development of communication products as needed.

Training: On the job training will be provided by supervisor and other Service staff.

Travel: Travel to participate in field reviews, facilities tours, conferences, etc. may be required. A travel budget will be provided.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing a degree) in journalism, public relations, communications, environmental communications, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable.
Required:
  • US Citizens and Permanent Resident
  • A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request)
  • Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
  • Effective communication skills
  • Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills
  • Ability to gather, organize, and interpret literature and relevant source materials
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group
Preferred:
  • Strong desire to enter the public service field as a communications natural resource professional
  • Ability to prepare outreach materials including maps, graphics, and figures for social media and both internal and external audiences
  • Ability to coordinate and organize field and office tours.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS WSFR and state fish and wildlife management agencies

To Apply: Please submit your resume, unofficial academic transcripts, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. ***Academic transcripts are required for verification of related coursework and professional development purposes, as opposed to evaluating prior academic performance.

NOTE: 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 FWS Division Support Specialist Claire Barnwell at cbarnwell@usaconservation.org or (585) 489-5092.

Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 by the time they start their term or request a medical or religious exemption.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.