Resource Member Intern

Resource Member Intern

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is seeking two members to contribute to an interdisciplinary project alongside MNRR Natural Resource and Education Staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Estimated Start Date: May 18 2026 (subject to change)

Estimated End Date: August 8 2026

*12 week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The Missouri National Recreational River consists of 126 river miles which is broken into two segments of the Missouri River the lower 20 miles of Niobrara River and the lower eight miles of Verdigre Creek. Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) also consists of approximately 1000 acres of land broken into five distinct properties which includes: three islands one riverside property and a scenic overlook. MNRR is a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and a unit of the National Park Service. Boating to and from the islands and along the river corridors is a recreational draw to the area. Additionally camping hiking wildlife viewing and scenic vistas along the river corridor and in the NPS areas are recreational highlights. Being on or around the river is a regular activity for the staff of MNRR. The headquarters building and park offices are located in Yankton South Dakota. Additionally MNRR is founded on being a partnership park and participates in many educational opportunities and events at our partner locations such as state county and city parks. Due to the location a personal vehicle is required for this role.

For more information about Missouri National Recreational River please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: During this term the ACE member will perform a wide variety of tasks.

The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of MNRR staff to:

• Assist in the development and presentation of a variety of interpretive programs including ranger talks pop-ups conduct walks and demonstrations to a variety of general public audiences and school groups of a variety of ages.
• Communicate effectively with visitors and staff through various communication methods.
• Assist with development or revision of environmental education and interpretive materials web content and social media.
• Help facilitate activities on the water including kayak events river floats and data collection on the river. (ability to swim is required for saftey)
• Assist with conducting field surveys and research on a variety of plants and animals some of which are exotic or rare threatened or endangered.
• Assist with photo-point monitoring field observations and data collection.
• Provide trials maintenance with powered equipment such as brush cutters string trimmers and hand tools.

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

Schedule: Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule will be required which will involve work performed outside of normal work hours including on weekends and/or holidays and early mornings and/or late evenings. Exact days and times may shift each week. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the NPS for approval.

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 required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop kneel climb stairs and/or crouch and hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close distance peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Also includes indoor 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.
• Travel: This position does not require unique 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 in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the NPS will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training certification and safety protocols is required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $640/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing Reimbursement: Housing is not provided by NPS or ACE and is the responsibility of the member. However a housing reimbursement of $500/month is provided to supplement the cost of housing.

Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $575 to be used for eligible relocation expenses.

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. This role also includes up to $373 to spend on eligible training and professional development.

AmeriCorps Education Award Program: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $1956.35 upon successful completion of a complete service term and 450 hours.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: This position is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority; Members serving under this agreement must meet the PLC Eligibility Requirements to be considered for this position. Members 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 (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

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 partner 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.
• Driving is required: A valid drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Driving is required: A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of IDs upon hiring)
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree and/or have relevant experience in plant biology botany ecology or related environmental fields.
• Knowledge or experience utilizing hand tools.
• Ability and willingness to perform water related activities such as kayaking swimming boating.
• Deep interest and passion in Environmental Conservation and the outdoors.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with the public.
• Willingness to collaborate in a team setting.
• Attention to details and desire to learn new skills.
• Interest in field and trail work.

To Apply: Please submit your resume a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on the usaconservation 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 Western Member Manager Bee Garcia-Glenn.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - 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 hired 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.

Required Experience:

Intern