Communications & Outreach Member

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management Alaska State Office, is seeking One Communications & Outreach Member to contribute to the BLM Alaska Communications Team project alongside BLM Alaska State Office Staff.

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

Start Date: 11/04/2024 (Contingent upon passing a government background check)

Estimated End Date: 8/08/2025

*a 40-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The BLM state office in Alaska is located in Anchorage. BLM Alaska manages more surface and subsurface acres than any other state with BLM-managed lands. This includes over 70 million surface acres and 220 million subsurface acres (Federal mineral estate) in a state with a landmass equivalent to about one-fifth of the entire contiguous United States.

BLM Alaska manages the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, the Steese National Conservation Area, the Iditarod National Historic Trail, and six Wild and Scenic Rivers. BLM Alaska also manages the agency's only National Recreation Area. Located just an hour's drive from Fairbanks, the 1-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area offers 13 public-use cabins, stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and outstanding opportunities for year-round recreation.

For more information about the Alaska State Office, please visit the BLM website.

Position Overview: The ACE EPIC Communications & Outreach member will get to learn about the full spectrum of BLM Alaska's work. During their term of service the member will be able to develop a diverse array of communications products-creative, informative print, and digital media-to inform and engage the public on the work and impact of BLM Alaska. The member will be provided with excellent networking opportunities, and exposure to the vital agency work that happens behind the scenes in the Office of Communications. The main objectives of the position will include newsletters, website, modifications, social media, & short stories (500 words or less) produced on short deadlines.

Duties:

• Develop both written, visual, and digital communications products, including social media posts, blogs, short and long story format articles, web pages, intranet pages, announcements, visual products, flyers, fact sheets, presentation materials, newsletters and more. (60%)
• Assist with the production of a broad range of creative, informative print, electronic and digital products in support of the organization's communication objectives. (10%)
• May take photographs and videos for use in print or digital media products. (2.5%)
• Help plan and staff outreach events for BLM Alaska. (2.5%)
• Coordinate and collaborate with teammates and other BLM staff on projects. (10%)
• Preparation of documents to include Word, Excel, PDF, and email-based documents. (5%)
• Prepare routine informational material in proper format for public distribution either digitally, written, or orally. (5%)
• Perform routine interviews on non-controversial topics to gather information on common agency operations. (5%)

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: Approximately 35 hours per week, Monday- Friday, in an office setting. This is not a remote opportunity, though there may be opportunities to telework. There may be opportunities to travel to other BLM districts and field offices in Anchorage & Fairbanks to broaden exposure to the Bureau's multiple-use mission.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~35 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the Bureau of Land Management and ACE and is not flexible.

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. 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 website at usaconservation dot org.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Bureau of Land Management.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $1,000 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

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 Federal Information System Security Awareness (FISSA) training and other agency on-boarding training as assigned.

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.
• A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's 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.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website on usaconservation dot org.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a Communication, Journalism, English, Graphic Design, Social Sciences or similar degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as written, visual, and digital communication.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of Adobe Design software.
• Ability and willingness to be hyper-organized and meet multiple tight deadlines.
• Basic knowledge of written and oral communication principles, techniques, and methods.
• Deep interest in digital media platforms, oral and written communication, and drafting creative and informative products for routine events and non-controversial subjects for BLM Alaska.

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.
• 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 10 lbs., ability to move up to 45 pounds.
• Environmental: Mainly 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 may require 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 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 Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Bureau of Land Management 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 at usaconservation dot org. 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 Project Manager - EPIC BLM/USFS, Anna-Louise Calliham, acalliham at usaconservation dot org.

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 with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.