ACE - BLM Interpretation Internship

American Conservation Experience:
BLM Interpretation Internship

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the Bureau of land management’s, St George field office in Utah is seeking one Interpretation Intern who will dedicate 6 months creating materials to educate the public about the meaning, unique diversity, and the natural, cultural, and scientific values of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) in Utah.
This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic young professional with a background in conservation and/or communication with a deep interest in advancing their career goals by further developing the BLM Division of Interpretation and Resource Management.

Start Date: February 21st, 2011 (start date flexible for right candidate)
End Date: September 30, 2011
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A 6 month commitment is required
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Location: One position is available working out of the St. George Field Office. St. George is located in Southwest Utah’s red rock country, about 45 minutes from Zion National Park and 2 hours north of Las Vegas.

Project Partner Website: For more information regarding BLM St. George state office visit http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george.html

Compensation: $7.25/hr. Housing in not provided, however, intern will receive a $200/month housing allowance. Some local assistance is available to help procure adequate housing.

Position Description: This ACE internship is multi-facet, adaptable, and geared at developing a relationship between the NLCS and the general public. Interns will be primarily engaged in creating and revising educational materials such as brochures, graphics, and artwork, aimed at educating the public about the importance of the NLCS and its relevance to the citizens of Utah.
While deliverables such as brochures created and kiosks designed, represent the final physical product of the interns’ effort; ACE’s equally important objectives are to provide opportunities for creative leadership and to instill an ethic of environmental stewardship among the young adults serving as Interpretation Interns (IPIs) under this project.

Project Background and Objectives: The BLM NLCS program endeavors to promote knowledge, stewardship, and curiosity of the local environment among people who live in this region and others who come to visit. NLCS includes approximately 27 million acres of National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Historic Trails, and Conservation Lands which are managed by the BLM for conservation purposes. “ The mission of the NLCs is to conserve, protect, and restore nationally significant landscapes recognized for their outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values.” – BLM website. The Intern will aim to further the NLCs mission through awareness and education.

The Intern will fulfill the institute’s mission by enthusiastically fulfilling the following responsibilities:

• Create, maintain, and update educational materials and supplies
• Assist in updating BLM Utah’s NLCS website
• Develop signage, brochures and informational kiosks
• Conduct research and gather information to be used in writing Wilderness Management Plans
• The IPI will work closely with the National Land Conservation System Lead and other Public Affairs staff of the BLM in the execution of all tasks
• The IPI is expected to take on other creative tasks as identified in the course of the program and see them through to completion

Training Provided: Much of the training made available for interns will be done 'on the job.' This will include working alongside seasoned environmental educators and public affairs staff. Training will also include a primer on the ecology of the Utah St. George recreation, heritage and preservation sites and visiting other natural areas around the region. The project will present an opportunity for young adults, including recent university graduates, to gain tangible skills in communication, public affairs, website development, graphic arts, and other marketable skill sets. The BLM is committed to providing the most educational, rewarding, and challenging experience possible to best prepare interns for future careers in the stewardship of America’s public lands.

Qualifications: Applicants for ACE’s interpretive position should be creative individuals who have experience working with computer software used to create websites and promotional materials. The ACE interpretive interns must be willing to represent ACE and the BLM in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users, including recreational smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing and abhors the presence of drug users in our program.

Required Skills:

• Internship is available to US Citizens and Green Card holders only.
• Interns must be between the age of 18 and 29
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required.
• Interns must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Strong computer proficiency, including the use of creative software
• Deep interest in ecology and respect for nature.
• Must be able to spend long hours in an office setting working on the computer.
• Must be able to take initiative and work independently, as well as participate effectively in collaborative efforts
• English proficiency is imperative.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a criminal background check is required

Preferred Qualifications:
• Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences; ability to work alone or in a group;
• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Marketing, Media, Graphic Design, and other related fields.
• Knowledge of and ability to use software’s such as Microsoft office, InDesign, quark Express.
• A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in conservation and the field of natural
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
• knowledge of Utah’s public lands is helpful, but not required

To Apply:
Please email a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references by February 14th, 2011 to intern@usaconservation.org with “BLM Interpretation Intern – CSA referred ” in the subject heading of your email. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received.