ACE - Field Operations Coordinator

Location: Located in Flagstaff, Arizona with travel to various project sites throughout southwest United States.

Organization Overview: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a national leader in developing the next generation of conservationists, is dedicated to providing young adults the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance our nation's natural habitats, resources and public lands. Crews comprised of 8 young adults (ages 18 25) work and camp together in wilderness areas for 8 consecutive days in order to advance meaningful conservation projects. ACE crews typically work alongside land management professionals to accomplish challenging environmental projects including habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail construction/maintenance, and fire fuels reduction. 

General Position Description: With the support of the Director of ACE Southwest, Field Operations Manager and the Field Operations Department, the Field Operations Coordinator (FOC) will coordinate the logistics and implementation of outdoor, environmental conservation and habitat restoration projects alongside ACE Crew Leaders. The FOC will play an important role in ensuring all ACE SW Crew Leaders are fully prepared and equipped with the necessary project supplies, transportation and equipment prior to departing for their projects. The FOC plays a critical role in project communication, coordination and logistical organization for all ACE crew projects.

The position will require travel to project locations on several occasions, if necessary. The FOC will work closely with ACE SW Crew Leaders and senior staff to ensure that all projects are operated and completed safely, efficiently and in a high quality fashion. With the vast majority of crews travelling, working and camping throughout Arizona, the southwest and across several states, the FOC is instrumental in assisting ACE Leaders with the necessary communication devices, itineraries, tools, vehicles, camping equipment, directions, and supplies.

Position Qualifications:

• Ability to prevent, analyze and resolve safety issues; possess knowledge of safety procedures as applied to field operations.
• Demonstrable knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and techniques used in conservation/environmental restoration operations.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing field operations in environmentally sensitive areas.
• 6 months of experience performing trail construction/maintenance, habitat restoration and/or invasive species removal activities.
• Experience leading, training and motivating young adults in a safe, organized and professional manner.
• Working knowledge of young adult development, team-building and motivational techniques. Experience serving as a positive role model and mentor for team members.
• Strong organizational and communication skills necessary to organize young adult crews, ensuring a positive culture and a high-quality, efficient service.
• Physically fit and able to perform a wide variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Maintains professional communications and relations with agency project partners, ACE staff, crewmembers, and the general public.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Over 21 years of age and possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Must have the ability to travel frequently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Past working experience with conservation corps/organizations.
• S-212 Chainsaw Certified or equivalent and 6+ months of chainsaw operation experience.
• Possess Wilderness First Aid (WFR preferred), CPR and BBP certification.
• Maintain a Pesticide Applicator License in applicable states (i.e. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, etc.).
• Bachelor's degree in forestry, biology, environmental science and policy, or conservation-related fields.
• Basic skills in the maintenance and repair of chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, and any other equipment relevant to saw work projects.
• Teaching and training experience regarding habitat restoration, environmental conservation and outdoor living/camping skills.
• Mapping and monitoring using GPS technology.
• Ability to understand ACE systems and carry out oral and written instructions.

Position Responsibilities:

ACE is seeking an organized, professional and enthusiastic individual to coordinate and organize technical, outdoor conservation and environmental restoration projects for the ACE Southwest Conservation Corps branch. The FOC will be responsible for preparing ACE Crews for all projects through coordinating with ACE Operations staff and Project Sponsors. The FOC and the ACE crews will be in correspondence with several ACE partners, including the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

In collaboration with ACE Crew Leaders, Corps Members and project sponsors, the Field Operations Coordinator will play an important role in advancing ACE's core values of safety, professionalism, integrity, flexibility, quality, enthusiasm, dedication, and passion. The FOC will communicate with project sponsors and ACE Operations Staff to gather project information and logistics for each crew. Using the information provided, the FOC will make sure that each crew has appropriate project information, transportation, trailer, water supplies, camping equipment, tools, frontcountry/backcountry supplies, paperwork, etc. prior to departing for project.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Performs regular field visits as safety and quality control and to provide technical and logistical assistance.
• Assures supervisor compliance with project tracking records, including weekly reports, accomplishment reports, incident reports, safety sheets, end of project checklists, OSHA injury reports, etc.
• Supervises, assists, trains, evaluates and disciplines field staff assigned to the OC.
• Assists in the recruitment and interviewing of field staff.
• Coordinates human resources, tools, transportation and lodging required to perform field operations within contract parameters.
• Helps to manage tools and equipment inventories.
• Leads cross cut trainings and assist in chainsaw trainings.
• Assists in training of crew leaders and corps members in field and leadership skills
• Makes recommendations to site Director concerning disciplinary measures and promotion of Corps Members and Crew Leaders.
• Conducts project de-briefs with crew leaders at the end of each week
• Forms project reports and arranges post-project meetings with project partners
• Supervises crews as required

Dates of employment: The position will be open until filled, preferably filled as soon as possible. A 1 to 2+ year commitment is preferred with many opportunities for further upward mobility within the organization.  

Remuneration: $640 weekly. ACE Staff have the option to join ACE health care plans after 90 days of employment. Other benefits begin after six months, including accrual towards two weeks paid vacation and sick leave.

Application instructions and deadline: Submit a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references. The deadline to apply is May 05, 2017 but we strongly encourage to apply ASAP.

Successful candidates must complete a criminal background check prior to hire; persons convicted of a felony are not eligible for appointment to this classification. Drug users, including recreational smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying as ACE reserves the right to require drug tests. Applicants must have a clean driving record and be willing to submit to a background check.

Current Openings for ACE Field Operations Coordinator Jobs at Mellon Fellowships